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JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race?

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jimcurl

Jul 2, 08 13:03

Post #1 of 27 (874 views)

JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race?	Can't Post

My name is Jim Curl. I am an old RD friend of Dan's and I have been hired to produce a new International (and Sprint) distance triathlon in Jamaica called The WATA Rose Hall Triathlon (www.RoseHallTriathlon.com). The date is Sunday October 26, 2008; the site is the coastline east of Montego Bay called Rose Hall (after the famous plantation at its heart). (WATA is the local water company - "WATA" is also how Jamaicans pronounce "water").

Here is my question to the forum - What event elements would make a good race into a World-Class Triathlon? Not just for the media, or the pros, but for the competitors and their friends and family.

Assume for this purpose, that they have a challenging and safe course, plenty of really good hotels and that the countryside is beautiful. Remember, no fair saying "Rolling out of my own rack and racing" because it is in Jamaica after all.

This is not just blowing smoke - I get asked this question by the RHT executive committee every week. The Jamaicans want to make a triathlon event experience that is as good as any in the world, but this is the first time they have ever attempted to put on a triathlon at this level. They know hospitality; they really know food, music and parties (The best parties!), they have an amazingly vibrant culture, but what do competitors want? If we tell them, I believe that they will do it.

Will look back in a bit and see what you say.

Thanks,

JC

FLA Jill

Jul 2, 08 13:26

Post #2 of 27 (861 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

For the friends and family during the race, I'd love to have someplace to sit in the shade, lots of water to drink, and easy access to toilets. If you're talking about families with kids, something to distract the small humans while Mom or Dad is out on the course, even if it's a giant pile of rocks. (Kids can improvise a game out of a lot of things)

gymrat

Jul 2, 08 21:07

Post #3 of 27 (813 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Having been to that area several times on my way to Negril, the first thing I would say would be safe roads to bike on.

After that good food post race, a well scheduled program of events, a venue that is easy to get to, LOTS of WATER on the run course especially in that HOT box, A good and well stocked expo, a well marked safe and easy to follow course. Something with a challenge (hills, heat, wind etc)
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Rappstar

Jul 2, 08 21:13

Post #4 of 27 (806 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the thing that matters the most to the people that come to the races is that they see the competitors. As an athlete, I dislike loop courses, but as a spectator, people love them. If there is a way to loop people around the spectators without necessarily having them looping over the other athletes, that would make a great race. I think that making people feel the support of the crowd, and giving the crowd an opportunity to support the athletes is what really sets apart the races that people want to come back to. If you look at the ultra in Roth, Germany, that course is packed. I think people love that feeling. There are plenty of races with beautiful courses, nice goodie bags, etc. But I know the nicest memories that I have are when I've gotten to see the people that matter to me.

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pmcdc

Jul 2, 08 22:14

Post #5 of 27 (766 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

for me it would be a real swim-bike-run. no laps, just one round of each, on realtively safe roads (for the bike). the minute there are laps it makes me think the race is for spectators, marketing, etc., and not for the athletes.
peggy

dreaming~big

Jul 3, 08 5:34

Post #6 of 27 (659 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

ice cold red stripe at the finish line. and some jerk chicken on the grill wouldn't be bad, either. :)
Kate
http://irnwmn.blogspot.com

determination

Jul 3, 08 5:44

Post #7 of 27 (653 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [dreaming~big] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I 2nd the red stripe and jerk chicken!
Seriously, though, just a well run, well-organized safe race.

cseier

Jul 3, 08 6:06

Post #8 of 27 (640 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [determination] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Not sure if I have anything to add, but it looks like a great race and is a perfect time of year for me. I think I will sign up upon approval of my partner. Thanks for the thread or I would have never known about it.

dreaming~big

Jul 3, 08 6:16

Post #9 of 27 (633 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [dreaming~big] [In reply to]	Can't Post

just a thought: i've done the Conchman at GBI/Freeport a couple of years. Bert Bell & crew put on a really nice race in a gorgeous venue. They have a local artist do handblown glass awards ... one year it was a dolphin, one year a conch shell, tipped in gold. Most beautiful awards i've ever received. They have the awards ceremony later in the evening in the Count Basie (i think) pavilion in the center of town. Very laid back, very mellow. (let's not talk about the year hurricane michelle came to town and BASRA couldn't get into the water ...)
Kate
http://irnwmn.blogspot.com

cerveloguy

Jul 3, 08 6:41

Post #10 of 27 (610 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Safe roads for cycling are a prime concern for Jamaica. I'd love to do a tri there, and hope there is decent scuba scuba diving nearby.

"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"

slowbern

Jul 3, 08 6:41

Post #11 of 27 (610 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have never been to Jamaica so I don't completely know what they have to offer. I love races that capitalize on the quirky local things in the area that the race is held. For most people, Jamaica is going to be a destination race attached to a vacation rather than an A race that they are training to do really well at. I think that I would want a race like that to be oriented towards the culture of the island so that you could experience it during the race (to some extent).

Also, thinking back to my favorite races, hanging out with my friends after the race is always great, and often times what makes the race. Some venues are better than others for this. I think about Steelhead 70.3 at the park in St. Joseph, MI. What a great venue. Right at the finish line they have food, picnic tables, access to showers, access to the beach and Lake Michigan. It is hard to think what could make it better. Similarly, the Waterloo Triathlon by Elite Endeavors at the Waterloo Recreation Area in MI is another one of these gems: a picnic atmosphere, picnic tables, access to a beach and lake. It is easy to hang out for several hours with friends after the race.

Bernie

_______________

"Hold on one second, sweetie."-Barack Obama

dw67

Jul 3, 08 6:48

Post #12 of 27 (601 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

All I remember about my trip to Jamaica was eating frog legs, drinking lemonade and the knife fight in the street right next to us.

Obviously, if I returned to Jamaica for a triathlon, security would be pretty important. Based on my antecdotal vacation there, Jamaica isn't the safest place.
__________________________________________________

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SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE

sdmike

Jul 3, 08 6:57

Post #13 of 27 (592 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have been to Jamaica numerous times. It's beautiful and I met many nice Jamaican's. However, spectator (my family) safety, would be a concern. There are some very agreesive cab drivers and street vendors that would need to reined in before I would do a race like this.

I have also talked with a number of women who where hasseled while out running alone.

I am not sure what you could even do as RD in this regard.

(This post was edited by sdmike on Jul 3, 08 6:59)

TeamBarenaked

Jul 3, 08 6:57

Post #14 of 27 (592 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

First thing that popped into my mind is that, with the tropical location etc, this race will be compared to StCroix, maybe Hawaii, and....? I'd look at those venues as a baseline. Get opinions on those races - why do people go there, what do they like about them, how they could be improved and then you take it from there. Can you come up with a "hook" that may draw peoples' interest? For example, StCroix has their infamous BEAST. Find something different that you have to offer.

To start off with, I suggest your course go through the Hedonism resorts. haha

cerveloguy

Jul 3, 08 7:28

Post #15 of 27 (552 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [dw67] [In reply to]	Can't Post

"Jamaica isn't the safest place."

That goes without saying, but some parts of the island are much worse than others. Many people who visit never leave the resort compounds. Security of the triathletes would have to be a priority.

"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"

dobler

Jul 3, 08 8:22

Post #16 of 27 (509 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Great Idea.
1. Airport. this can be a cluster f without a bike. this needs to be made easy for athletes. Alos, they generally put you on buses for transportation to your hotel. Most are "short" buses and they are packed full. there is no way that even one bike would fit on. Thye load luggage through the bus windows. This is a big issue.
2. Transportation around the area. Cabs have local and tourist rates. the latter is a whimsical number made up on the spot. We have taken a cab for a 2 mile trip that costs 20-30$...it costs a local about 1$. People will be incredibly pissed if they are getting completely screwed on transportation. this is also a big issue and "set rates" need to be implimented.
3. Try to have everything in a central location. Expo, race start and finish and transition

jyeager

Jul 3, 08 11:18

Post #17 of 27 (420 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [dobler] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You bring up some good points. When I went there years ago, the guy that grabbed my luggage (without asking) and loaded it on my hotel bus 50 feet away then turned to me and said "Five Dollar!"

Find a way to get those parasites away from the racers.

Also consider NOT doing what makes a great race fall on its face:

- logistical screwups (ie. starts, course marshalls, cheating)
- timing errors
- weak traffic control (or in Jamaica, even pedestrian traffic)

Jon

Jul 3, 08 11:22

Post #18 of 27 (419 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm glad to have a new race in the Carribean, but I don't think you picked a good time of year. With an October race you are competing with Clearwater and Kona, Escape to Bermuda, Bahmas 1/2 and Olympic, Miami, IM Florida, Great Floridian, Beach to Battleship, etc. On the other hand, February or March would be an ideal time (though maybe not for resorts because it is their on-season anyway for tourists. I would love race options in the mid to late winter time. Not a lot of competition, plus since its Olympic distance most people will be in shape for it.

Back to your original question - look at what St. Croix is doing. "The Beast" does a ton for their race - if you could have some kind of signature portion of the course that was very difficult it would attract people. Good sponsors, expo, drawing some pros would help. Maybe you could think of some other incentive for age groupers to come - age group awards 5 deep instead of 3 deep or maybe some kind of merchandise or t-shirt or something for the top-10 finishers in each age group. Nice hotels in walking distance of transition would help as would any pre-race training opportunities.

Another race to look at that I did and was fantastic and popular without IM logo is Laguna Phuket. Some of the things neat about Phuket were the unique location, elephant at the finish line. Also, the Thursday and Friday before the race, the partially closed the roads for practice rides on the actual bike course with police-escort. If you did something like that, espcially for an early season race where people really want to get off their trainers and outside on the road, it would be a big plus. If you could get the pros to go on the practice rides and talk to the age groupers that would also be really cool. If your course had some kind of signature, it would be extra cool to be able to ride it, not only during the race, but in prctice as well. You could have the swim course set up a week or so early - hopefully it would be right outside the host hotels doors so people could roll out of bed, have breakfast and do a practice swim.

I hope your race is succesful.

cerveloguy

Jul 3, 08 12:09

Post #19 of 27 (397 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

You're getting some interesting posts Jim.

One of the big things going against you is Jamaica's reputation as a less than totally safe island. That in itself is the reason that I've been to several Caribbean islands but not Jamaica.

I also like the idea of a January/February date. As pointed out, this race would be a destination race to most participants, an excuse to get away in winter. Most people take Caribbean holidays in winter more so than October.

"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"

chemsales

Jul 3, 08 12:46

Post #20 of 27 (382 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [cerveloguy] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Easy way to handle safety - move the race entirely to the gounds of Hedo II in Negril!!! Delroy and Scumba serving Red Stripe at aid stations. Tim Air buzzing the beach during the swim.

The airport is much better after the recent expansion/renovation. The weather should be nice. There are some new resorts to choose from. Unfortunately, once you are on the resort, you loose your connection to all the vibes that are truly Jamaican.

I usually go twice a year. I may have to move up our Nov trip to do your race.

Good Luck!

(This post was edited by chemsales on Jul 3, 08 12:59)

jrfalck

Jul 3, 08 14:41

Post #21 of 27 (334 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

lots of hotel rooms at walking distance from the race start

dennis

Jul 3, 08 20:52

Post #22 of 27 (253 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

For the average joe. I would say. A package where for one cost you could get flight, bike transport, bike check, housing, food. Everything taken care of. Nothing fancy just a no worry trip. Second a schedule of events pre swims, pre rides, pre runs, other non tri related. Most may have safety concerns without these things being a group event. Now the real good guys, the liars , and the who cares types will say they don't like the next idea but most people who train travel and race want a chance to place. Give 5 year age groups 5 deep awards. It's cheap and no skin off anyones nose. If they don't like it they don't have to accept the award. Have two races one with a short swim the swim is what scares most average newbies and race directors. I hope I didn't step on any toes . This is just My opinion.

Longboarder

Jul 4, 08 6:07

Post #23 of 27 (197 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

For me it's also, just a well run, well-organized safe race.

Train safe & smart

Bob

"Then the thought came back- f^*k you, keep moving. The little train that could, could. I'm moving forward again." Doug Stern

swimfan

Jul 4, 08 6:34

Post #24 of 27 (194 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [jimcurl] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Weed.
_________________________________________________

To rent this space PM me!

livinthedream

Jul 4, 08 8:54

Post #25 of 27 (152 views)

Re: JAMAICA -What Makes a Great Race? [swimfan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

x 2 on the weed, a little ganja in the schwag bag wouldn't hurt, and maybe some marley to put on the ipod.
-on a serious side, safety and no hassle is the big thing for me...
-cheers

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