There are places nearer the lake start but if you're going to NOLA might as well be in the quarter or near Canal. Didn't see any places within walking distance to the start so you'd have to drive anyway. Plenty of parking at the start. We had a rental car but there's a shuttle from the host hotel on the river. Which is in a completely different spot from the finish. But then you need to get back to the start to get your bike... Then back to your hotel. Fun race but logistics are a total pain in the ass

We'll be driving in from Houston. Host hotel is saying th are sold out. Do you know if there is extra parking near or at the Hilton?

Yes there is a large parking lot about 5 minute walk as I recall. If anyone is coming with you and not racing much better deal for them to drive you to the start then meet at the finish.

Awesome....thanks so much. I'll check out the area on Google Earth or something tomorrow to see if I can find the parking lot you're mentioning.

Just heard from a friend and confirmed it on their FB page that the race is not a point to point anymore and it will end at south shore harbor. Improves the logistics but makes the race a bit less desirable

According to the ironman new orleans page, it is still a point to point. Starts at the harbor and ends in city park. There is plenty of parking in both areas.

Go to their Facebook page. They've already announced it and are finalizing the new run course.

I stand corrected. You are absolutely correct. Now that I think about it, it seems more family friendly. No more chasing your athlete around the course and looking for somewhere to park.

Yeah, I think logistically it's better for spectators as they don't have to move around, but there's absolutely *nothing* to do at south shore harbor but sit around a concrete parking lot and wait. So from that perspective it's tough on the spectators. I suppose they'll have the expo etc there.

I'd be interested to see the run course, but I have a suspicion it's going to suck, maybe an out and back along the lake front but returning to transition rather than turning right into the park.

It will certainly be interesting. Shoot the run course barely had any shade to begin with. If they do an out and back, it will be full sun the whole way and you'll have to cross that bridge twice!

I agree with everything Chris said. It was a logistical headache this year, with the finish remote from transition. If you're traveling solo, this change is good news. But this is definitely worse for spectators.

On the run, this likely means you're crossing that bridge again at mile 12. That should be fun.