Ironman Germany

The race began with the swimming portion (3.8 kilometers) in the Main-Danube Canal, part of the Rhine river.

Before the race, samples of the water are collected and tested to make sure it is safe to compete in.

[1] Since 2005, the Ironman European Championship is held annually in Frankfurt and more than half a million spectators gather to watch the race every year.

The final marathon running goes four laps on a course on both sides on the River Main in Frankfurt.

In 2003, the WTC decided to hold their annual race in Frankfurt creating the Opel Ironman Germany Triathlon.

In 2002, the Ironman Auction allowed people to bid on six spots in the championship race.

One hundred percent of the proceeds go to different charities and organizations supported by the Ironman Foundation.

Some of the charities include: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, World Bicycle Relief, Peoples Advocacy for Trails in Hawaii and The County of Hawaii Parks & Recreation Department.

In order to accept the championship invitation the athlete must be present at the awards ceremony.

WTC managing director of global race operations Steve Meckfessel says "just cracking the top 10 can sometimes punch the ticket".

They surveyed 2997 athletes that have participated in triathlons in Germany, including the Ironman European Championship.