• swim is in the bay, currents can be strong at times but overall a good swim course
• Bike is flat, decent roads but somewhat boring. You do get to ride on the AC expressway and go through a toll booth
• Run is also flat, predominantly on the boardwalk (which I like on my knees) but can be hot. Exposed pretty much the entire time. Can be windy since you are on the beach. It's crowded since the run course isn't closed.

It's in AC so easy to get to and lots of places to stay. Especially just outside of town. AC as a town is a bit of a dump but there's a lot to do around there.
Only real complaint about the race, and all races Delmo does there is the parking. It's a nightmare getting in and out of Bader field. They have only one gate open so it's slow getting in.

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"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

I haven't done this particular event but have done other Delmo organized races.....always well run. Venue is nice if you like Atlantic City and/or nearby beaches. Appears good portion of bike course is on flat and fact AC Expressway. Run on the scenic Boardwalk. I'll be doing his OLY distance race again in August.
ps....yes, parking can be tough if you don't arrive early

I did last year's race and had a fun time. I can add that Delmo does try to improve every race he runs. He posts videos on what he's doing all the time. He tweaked the swim route, addressed the parking issue and modified the bike route. Good luck

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What I do: http://app.strava.com/athletes/345699

Recently announced that the bike course will be completely different this year. Instead of a one loop course, it is going to be a 2.5 loop course. A lot of people, like me, that already signed up and paid aren't happy about it.

Sorry to hear that. Have they explained how 99% of the course will be closed to traffic ? That would seem like they have to shut down the ACE.

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"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

I've not followed it closely enough to know the new route, but I do recall hearing something about it being totally on the AC Expressway. My problem is its going to create a lot of congestion with people getting lapped, which is going to make it a lot more dangerous.

I believe they will have the D.O.T block off two lanes (and the shoulder)... I don't think the AC expressway is closed. Delmo has posted some video updates where he explains the changes but I don't see them on website.... they're on the FB page for IMAC 70.3.

I think it's a good race, well run... lots to do... thumbs up. Will be back for second year.

That would seem more plausible. I don't get how that is "99% closed to traffic" but maybe that's just me. Shame they had to change it to loops. .

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"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

That's what they do for the sprint/Oly. It's not terrible, but yea, 99% closed off isn't exacly true...

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Strava

Any updates on this? Considering adding this race to my agenda.

Did this last year, and again this year. Really a good race, as most Delmo races are.

Decent swim. I was in the notorious wave that got smacked with the pop-up rip current last year, and each wave behind me had their swim progressively shortened. (Side note, it was the right decision. The current got bad). Swim course is tweaked this year to avoid going near the bridge so that shouldn't happen.

New bike course this year, lots of people bitching, but I think it's a non-starter. The course is flat with some stiff winds that will hit you from multiple angles throughout (though it never seemed to be at my back). Overall last year, great support on the bike and I expect the same. There will be nearly no shade on the bike course.

The run is unique. Doing the couple laps around Bader Field sucked and was a bit boring, but after that it was ok. The boardwalk is nice on the knees, absolutely fantastic volunteers, and a decent breeze. The heat was killer and there's no shade (theme starting here). There's a quick easy shuttle from the finish back to transition. Not too sure how late it runs though, if you planned on enjoying some food and beverage on the boardwalk.

Overall, from stuff people have said:
Swim - fixed and pretty good
BIke - who knows on the new course
Run -wear a hat! No shade but great volunteers and ocean breeze

Parking - There was only one entrance last year because the day before, some idiot put a bomb in a garbage can up the road in Seaside Heights. All the garbage cans were sealed shut on the boardwalk too. This won't be an issue this year, at least two entrances, but go early anyway.

Oh, and if your going to sign up, you have 1 hour and 17 minutes. Registration closes 6 PM eastern today.

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I talk to myself because mine are the only answers I'll accept - George Carlin

AHHHH!

Wait....where do you see that? I don't see saying that anywhere?

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I talk to myself because mine are the only answers I'll accept - George Carlin

Just pulled the trigger! Thanks for the heads up!

Excellent. There were only 4-5 slots left.

See you there!

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I talk to myself because mine are the only answers I'll accept - George Carlin

i did this race back in 2014 when it was a Challenge (140.6-full iron distance). i agree with most of what's been said: swim is protected but can get tough depending on current; bike is pretty flat although i remember some headwind on our way back to AC; and run in the boardwalk (i didn't feel it was that hot but, then again, i live and train in Miami so i guess anything is an improvement in comparison)...

one piece of advice if you're coming from out of town: consider renting an AirBNB in Brigantine (small town next to AC), its literally 15 minutes away from Bader Field and much nicer and quieter than being in an old and wore down 70's casino hotel in AC... i was very happy i followed that advice

lastly, i agree that Delmo puts up a very good race overall, hopefully the full-iron distance comes back!

Does anybody know if Delmo plans on making this a full Ironman race?

It used to be. in 2014 and 2015 this was a full distance race under the Challenge brand that Delmo ran. I did it both years and despite a few wrinkles thought it was a great race.

Not sure Ironman is planning to bump this to another full, but I wouldn't hesitate to race it if it does happen.

I am with you...did the full in 2014 and 2015 and really enjoyed it. If they brought it back think it would get a lot of attention...time of year (June), tons of options to stay, good family spot....as it has been said many times before, Delmo runs great races...be great to have this back as a full.

I've raced there 4 or 5 times. I think only one time years ago there was more then one entrance open. According to Delmo the city and or who owned the lot in the past only allows one entrance to be open. I only bring that up to point out to those doing this race for the first time you should get to Bader field earlier then you would normally plan. The line of cars getting in there can get really long and be slow as they direct people where to park.

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"I think I've cracked the code. double letters are cheaters except for perfect squares (a, d, i, p and y). So Leddy isn't a cheater... "

Delmo addressed this directly with a video on the Ironman Atlantic City Facebook group page . Someone started a thread asking if IM CDA going away would help get a full to AC. Sorry, I can't seem to link the video but this is basically the message Delmo gave... a direct quote from video.... "for those of you who truly want a full distance back in Atlantic City, here's the best thing you can do to make that happen.... support the 70.3"


And I agree. IMAC 70.3 selling out 2 years in a row is a good start but showing sustained demand over a longer period is key. With current full distances slow to sell out I assume we won't see any/many new ones unless it was clear there is demand. Remember, this was the problem before with the original full in AC. Challenge AC full did ok in year one but couldn't sustain demand for year two. Not many argue that it wasn't a nice race, just not enough people were interested. WTC / Ironman brand effect would probably change that.

I'd like to see it happen one day, but happy now there's a well run, fun 70.3 only about an hour away. See you all in September.