The swim has a 400m upstream swim. I'm not sure how much resistance we'll get, as it is closer to the shore, but it could be tough if there's any rain in the days leading up to the race.
The bike doesn't look bad, with all the climbing in the first third. I bet it's going to be a FAST ride once you start descending! Overall, ~ 3500 of climbing. Glad it's not the ~5000+ that I kept hearing!
The run...ouch. That is going to be tough. It looks like a whole bunch of short to medium length climbs.

If anyone has an advantage here, I'd say it's a good runner.

Bike profile and stats:



Run profile and stats:

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

For those of us not from the area, is the bike course able to be ridden pre race?

I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to come in for a weekend of training on the course

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"Good genes are not a requirement, just the obsession to beat ones brains out daily"...the Griz

Yeah, impossible to know. I did a race in 2014 there with almost that same configuration. It actually was not bad at all. If they did this tomorrow, it would be ug-ly.
After that first climb, it's gonna be fast. Also only 3,400 means I'll be fine with my disc.

A bunch of short punchy hills, and a bigger one coming up Young Ave on the North Shore. Although I prefer this run course to the U-Turn-a-palooza we'll race next weekend.

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Proud Member of Chris McDonald's 2018 Big Sexy Race Team "That which doesn't kill me, will only make me stronger"
Blog-Twitter-Instagram-Race Reports - 2018 Races: IM Florida 70.3, IM Raleigh 70.3, IM 70.3 World Championships - South Africa, IM North Carolina 70.3

It's hard to put a lot of merit into the elevation gain. I've seen courses (more run courses than any) where the elevation gain is really half or a bit more than half of what it posted/stated.

I like the course though. Tough and challenging. Just the way it should be.

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blog

Better late than never... I think it will be provide for a good race. The second lap of the run will hurt...

Brian

Slight correction... the swim is 860m upstream. For the full, they bussed us way to the right on the map and we swam/floated downstream.

I'd say that's a pretty big difference to point out- double the distance against the current ..............

A lot of this bike course could be ridden but I don't think I'd chance climbing up Ochs, especially on weekends. It's a narrow two lane road that is a bit twisty at the beginning of the climb. Despite the curvy road, cars are flying through there. It's gonna be a hell of a climb to get started (after only five miles of riding).

Brian, I'm wondering on the run course where exactly we cut over from Riverfront Parkway to the Riverwalk just past miles 2 and 8. Are we cutting through the far side of the VFW parking lot? From the way the map is drawn, it doesn't look like we're cutting through the Health Services parking lot like for the May 70.3. Thanks.

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Proud Member of Chris McDonald's 2018 Big Sexy Race Team "That which doesn't kill me, will only make me stronger"
Blog-Twitter-Instagram-Race Reports - 2018 Races: IM Florida 70.3, IM Raleigh 70.3, IM 70.3 World Championships - South Africa, IM North Carolina 70.3

TBT should be up tomorrow but the run will cut in before the Boathouse Restaurant and then run down the access road to get on the trail near the Rowing Center.

Thanks. I looked at the swim profile (not the description) and guessed that the 400 meter section was upstream.

Given what we've heard about the fast swim at Chattanooga over the years, I wonder how much current is in that area...

This course is beautiful!
Thanks Brian :)

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website/blog | Instagram

Any thoughts on timeline for Event Calendar and / or Athlete Guide?
Thanks!

x2. The course was announced. But...any info about the timeline will be great.

Thanks

What do you want to know?

A brief timeline (though not official) was mentioned in this thread earlier or one of the others?

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Basically the 2017 version of this: https://goo.gl/fYKVvt and this: https://goo.gl/O0KFpL

I get the basic stuff already mentioned but I was just looking for official guidance (there have been some discrepancies in previous info. so I’d rather wait for the official word). No big deal / more curious if it was known.

Thanks!

Has anyone ridden or ran the new WC published bike/run course yet that can share a Garmin file?

Good News.


Oficial Schedule released.

Does anyone know if IM has blocked off rooms downtown? I can't find a room anywhere!

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USAT Level II- Ironman U Certified Coach

I would think so. You need to book through the official travel agent to get one of those hotels. And you need to book the "minimum" nights.

So is the banquet an "add on" type deal (i.e.- pay additional to get to go to this)? Is that well attended?
Also- "parade of nations" ............. likewise- well attended? How does that all work? Can family be in "parade" or is it strictly for athletes? Is this just an age grouper thing?
Thanks.

last time in Vegas 2013 the banquet was free, part of the experience. I remember some good food, delicious chocolate chip cookies.

The parade of nations was related to a a video/ slide presentation about World's and the breakdown of athletes from different countries. I think they had the different county participants stand. I recall a lot of South Americans.

If it fits into your schedule it is worth it in my opinion. I'm coming in Friday so I'll miss it.

Thanks for the info.
Much appreciated.

Very excited about this race, course included. I do not recommend training on Och's unless it's before the locals wake up. They can be quite cranky. Better to ride up scenic for training purposes. Just some local 411.