All triathlon races begin with the swim, and most races send participants out in waves. For example there will be age groups, and they'll be sent out every 5-10 minutes to create a little separation. Usually these groups are up to about 100 people per wave. However one thing that makes an ironman unique, is that it's a mass start. Imagine this, 2000+ people all swimming towards the same buoys. It's often described as a "human washing machine" because of all the moving arms, legs and water. Many also consider the start of an ironman race a full contact sport where getting bumped, scratched, and kicked in the face is the norm. I've definitely taken my share of elbows and feet to the face, but I can't say any of the races I've done in the past have such large mass starts...so I decided to check out good old youtube for some videos of what's to come. I found a couple of shorts showing the start of the 2006 and 2007 ironman florida races. Check them out...crazy people =P.
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