Ironman Lake Placid 2012: Route, Date, Start Time and More

Thousands of daring men and women will zero in on Lake Placid, N.Y., this weekend in hopes of conquering the annual Ironman event.

The grueling endurance competition will begin early Sunday morning and takes the athletes on an adventure through and around the scenic Olympic village of Lake Placid.

Here is everything you need to know to get set for the epic journey.

When: Sunday, July 22

Where: Lake Placid, N.Y.

Start Time: 7:00 a.m. ET (based on last year's event)

*Information Courtesy of Ironmanlakeplacid.com.

Stage 1

The competition kicks off with a 2.4-mile swim around Mirror Lake, which will feature a mass of participants turning the calm waters into a frenzied wave pool. The temperatures in the lake are expected to be warm and comfortable based on the season.

The first stage is arguably the most important considering that the top competitors will need to get off to a fast start to give themselves some wiggle room down the stretch. 

Stage 2

After the athletes complete their two-loop swim through the lake, they will then hop onto their bikes and head off on an incredible 112-mile ride through the Adirondack Mountains. The biking course is highlighted by a painful 10-mile stretch of uphill riding before the participants can ditch their bikes. 

This stage of the competition requires the most time of any, usually taking the top finishers anywhere from 4.5 to five hours to complete. 

Stage 3

The Ironman wraps up with a 26.2-mile run through downtown Lake Placid. By this point, the competitors are reaching for any energy they have left. The finish line is located at the Olympic speed skating oval, where participants finish the event and begin their recovery. 

Last year's men's champion, T.J. Tollakson, finished the course in just under 8.5 hours, while defending women's champion Heather Wurtele crossed the line in less than 9.5 hours. 

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