---Originally from Ironman.com   

"Ironman Lake Placid has it all," according to Travlete.com and its readers. The website announced today that the event held in the beautiful Adirondack region of New York won the Best Triathlon of 2011 award.

According to the story: It (Ironman Lake Placid) has the pedigree (it's the second oldest in North America), it has atmosphere (watch it once and you'll go back every year), and it's set on a course in the Adirondacks that will constantly remind you of why TWO Olympic Games were held there.

And along with being a spectacular race to compete in, Lake Placid also caters exceptionally well to spectators.

"The Lake Placid course feels like it was designed with spectating in mind as much as racing," said Stacey, a TRAVLETE contributor.

"Mirror Lake provides a great spot to hang out all day in the center of everything while bouncing between the multitude of shops, restaurants and bars," she explained. "With plenty of outdoor patios along the course, spectators have multiple opportunities to catch their athletes along any leg of the race."

And as for racing it, fellow contributor and IMLP finisher, Lauren, sums it up perfectly:

"Great bike course, amazing spectators, incredible volunteers, tons of shops with stuff for racers who forgot stuff, and best of all, an underwater line to follow during the swim. One of the best days of my life."

Congrats to the Ironman Lake Placid race crew (and everyone in the region who help make the event so special) on the award.