1. To the person who suggested IM Boulder was a soft race, you’re a righteous jerk. Thanks for discrediting all those who finished - especially those with phenomenal performances - in tough conditions. For context, RD said registrations were up ~40% this year, the most in three years. There were a lot of stud athletes competing in that lot.
2. I’ll preface this by saying I thought the race was well organized, the RD did a bang up job of accommodating for the conditions and I’d do one of his races again. Here’s the bike course a turn-by-turn instrux; it’s not explicit what the process is after you get back on diagonal hwy and continue to lap 2:
http://m.ironman.com/~/media/314f58b7ff204d8e81f34e07b44a6195/ironman%20boulder%20bike%20course%20map%202018%201.pdf I also attended an athlete briefing and this wasn’t clearly articulated IMO, for something that could potentially be wildly confusing on race day. I was aware only bc I watched several videos where RD was interviewed about dynamics of new course.
3. I counted 8-9 DQs in my AG, never seen that before. Also had a friend who turned onto second loop prematurely and - upon realizing his mistake - turned around and added mileage to avoid course-cutting. I also saw a lot of confused athletes when I passed that point of the course despite the markings and helpful volunteers. In the midst of race speed and focus, and potentially disorienting conditions, I can see how competitors could make this error. And it seems a lot did.
The run map was also a bit mystifying but the markings on the ground were super-clear. I’m more puzzled by those who cut the run course.