What's the bike and run profile like.

First of all let me say that we enjoyed a great eight years at Disney with the IM 70.3 Florida event. I took over as RD of the event after the first two years. If anyone did the first race at Disney they will remember the "sand" transition and the "golf course" run! Each year we improved the event with a better bike course. Working with Disney Sports and the Wilderness Campground was challenging but very rewarding as we were able to present a great race with-in the "guidelines" of Disney. In my 25+ years of directing races, the Disney IM 70.3 was both the most difficult and the most rewarding race I've been had the pleasure of producing. Each year, we were challenged to "jump through" another hoop to get the race done and we were able to do so because of the tremendous support from Disney Sports.

The main reason we had to move the race was due to the upcoming construction of a new property at the race site. The Fort Wilderness Campground will be going through a major renovation starting this summer. Our finish line, transition and swim finish will be gone and we really had no other place to put them at the Campground. We looked at other options around Disney property, but were not able to find a good relocation.

When we found out that this would be taking place and we started looking for other sites in Central Florida for the race. Back in the late 1980's early 90's I helped produce a Powerman Duathlon at the Grenlefe Resort near Haines City in Polk Country. I contacted Mark Jackson, Executive Director of Polk County Sports and talked to him about possible sites in Polk County for IM 70.3 Florida.

When we saw the site at Lake Eva in Haines City, we knew if work very well for the event. Lake Eva Park is a city owned faciltiy that includes a wonderful 25 yard pool and splash area, a bandshell with a nice green lawn, tennis courts, pavilions, a community center and a white sand beach. The 56 mile bike course has a little less traffic then our course in Orange County around Disney. The run course is around Lake Eva in a very nice neighborhood.

We are very excited about this new venue and think that it will be great for both athletes and spectators. Familes can stay in hotels or rental houses that are 15-20 min. from the race site and 20-25 min. from Disney and Universal. The new LegoLand in Winter Haven is also under 15 min. away from Haines City.

Z

Have not seen any in Lake Eva.

Considering we already made reservations based on the previous website information, I think my family will just enjoy Disney.....