I can't speak to the numbers this year, but I am signed up to participate in part based on my experience last year. There was so much uncertainty that I wasn't sure there was even going to be a race at all. I would say that given the last minute switch, the organizers did a very good job. The swim was canceled through no fault of their own, but everything else went well and was very organized. I would expect that with a full year to plan and prepare, this race will go very well--and hopefully we get to swim. I am a relative novice, however. Last year was only my second tri.

I do really like the smaller field; especially compared to my hometown race--the Nation's tri. Opposite ends of the spectrum. The intimacy of the Columbia race was great, I thought. Plus, nice scenery and a seriously challenging course. The hills, man. The hills...

In response to a thread here, the director said it was around 1600 people a couple of months ago.

Thanks Kevin and Nick,

Wow, didn't realize it was that big. Almost back to the #'s from a few yes ago. Why ws the swim cancelled last yr - goose poop and rain???

Something along those lines. Too much bacteria in the water. But to answer OP last year was very very well done. Any gripes I had were very minor, but all things I think they can fix for this year. Really wish I was going this year!

I don't recall that number coming up at all. I believe the claim was more than 700 registrants...have not seen anything since on it. Maybe I missed a thread?

You're right, I was off by 1,00, went back and checked.

So, to correct myself, the race director on Mar2nd said that they already have over 700, not 1,600. Don't know why I had that in my head.

It's sad, the race used to have 2,000+ people. It's still one of my favorite races.

That race is way too crowded with 2000 people. The lollipop bike course with bikes on both sides of the road and open to vehicles is just a debacle. If you don't race in the elite wave, you will have to face the choice of sitting behind a car waiting for it to pass other riders or to risk life and limb (and penalty) and pass car on left or right. A Columbia Tri with 1000 racers is a much better Columbia Tri than what Vigo's crew let it grow to.

What's sad about a race with almost 1,000 people or maybe more by race day? I think it will be a good race, on a good course, what more can you ask.

I agree with kny, the hilly course does handle large numbers well, but when it got to around 2,500 it was flat out crowded.

It's sad because the level of competition goes down. Why would anyone sign up for an IM branded race and 2500+ people when they can do a Challenge race that's way less crowded? For most people it's probably the name Ironman, but for me it's because there's better competition at bigger races.

Just came across this, apparently the race director said 700+, but the registration page says 580.

https://myevents.active.com/search/registration-search.faces?e=11754254&a=283888918

search for Triathlon-Olympic

It's simple really:

"You are an Ironman!"

or

"You have completed a full distance triathlon run by Challenge Family which is a foreign-based company you've never heard of but it's sorta like Ironman!"