The IRONMAN Maryland course is a challenging but rewarding one, taking competitors on a scenic journey through the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Set in the charming town of Cambridge, the course winds its way through picturesque landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Choptank River and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
The swim leg starts at Gerry Boyle Park, where athletes plunge into the refreshing waters of the Choptank River. The 2.4-mile course is a two-loop affair, taking swimmers on a counter-clockwise journey through the river’s calm and protected waters. The current can be a factor, with competitors navigating against the outgoing tide on the outbound leg and with the incoming tide on the return leg.
Emerging from the river, athletes embark on a 112-mile bike ride that challenges their endurance and stamina. The course takes them through the scenic countryside of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, traversing rolling hills and farmlands before entering the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the race, with a mix of forests, wetlands, and open meadows.
The final leg of the Ironman Maryland is a three-loop run that takes athletes along the banks of the Choptank River and through various neighborhoods before leading them into the heart of downtown Cambridge.
The weather conditions in Cambridge, Maryland, USA, during September 2023 were characterized by a warm, humid, and somewhat damp climate. The average daytime temperatures typically reached around 27°C (80°F), while night time temperatures averaged around 15°C (59.5°F). This period is generally considered as the fourth warmest month of the year in Cambridge, making it pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.
Regarding precipitation, September in Cambridge experienced an average rainfall of approximately 88mm (3.5 inches), which was spread over about 8 days. The likelihood of rain in September started at about 27% at the beginning of the month and slightly decreased to around 24% by the end of the month.
The average water temperature in the Choptank River in Cambridge, Maryland, in September is 22°C (71°F). The river is typically at its warmest during the summer months and cools down in the fall.
