Ive heard that maybe Ironman Western Australia is a faster course. Any thoughts?
I’ve raced both courses. IMWA will probably ultimately yield the fastest time in part because it gets a stronger male pro field (IMFL is too close to Kona). Both are potentially very fast courses in the right conditions.
The swim at IMFL will probably most years be faster as you have to swim a mile plus out into the INdian Ocean at WA and FL is a two-lap swim–stay closer to shore for more of the race. The year I did WA (05) the waves were easily 4-6’ with a 25mph+ wind.
IMWA is actually flatter than IMFL and I think a potentially faster bike course–if you can stay locked in the aerobars. WA is three laps vs 1 at FL. Both are not in the least technical. with the exception of one small stretch, FL’s road surface is generally better and faster–WA’s is a little rough.
The run courses are both very flat and generally boring 2 lap affairs–both quite fast.
Weather-wise, my guess is that FL is more consistently benign than WA–it was over 90 degrees on the run in 05.
I wouldn’t pick between them based on speed–both are very fast.
rc