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Puerto Rico 70.3?
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I'm going to guess there is really no information available, but I'll ask anyway: Does anyone have any idea what will happen with Puerto Rico 70.3 as a result of the hurricane recovery? I did the race last year and really enjoyed it. Was looking forward to going back.

Dimond Bikes Superfan
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [ericlambi] [ In reply to ]
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Too early to say but I would bet greater than 50 50. San Juan will come back sooner than other places and they will desperately need the tourist revenue.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [ericlambi] [ In reply to ]
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I LOVE that race. All of the people there were very good to me. I am saddened to the point my stomach is sick for what happened there.

On the news, it appears that some of the course got obliterated. We'll see, but I would think it is doubtful.

David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [david] [ In reply to ]
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This was to be my spring race and family vacation. I am watching hopefully...
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]
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They sent a press release yesterday that the race will take place as planned.

We are still 5 months out. The run course and swim (obviously) course did not suffer any damage. In fact, prior to the hurricane they finished the boardwalk overlooking the ocean near the start of the run course. The road on the bike course did suffer damage and is being repaired. Most likely will get new pavement in sections due to the repairs.

The Caribe Hilton (host hotel) is closed for repairs but I believe is scheduled to open in December. I heard the Condado Plaza hotel (across the bridge from transition) is undergoing final inspections and will reopen soon as well.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. I live in PR.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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Do you have any idea whether they are going to cancel La Vuelta PR in late January?

Meanwhile, hotel status is available here: http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com/hotels/

Electricity and other status is available here: http://status.pr/
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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Our thoughts continue to be with you and your island. I was treated very well there last year and my emotional connection to all of your continues.

How is the bike course . . . I think I saw some of that on the news and with all of the other issues it would seem optimistic to have that back in shape.

Best wishes,

David
* Ironman for Life! (Blog) * IM Everyday Hero Video * Daggett Shuler Law *
Disclaimer: I have personal and professional relationships with many athletes, vendors, and organizations in the triathlon world.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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HuffNPuff wrote:
Do you have any idea whether they are going to cancel La Vuelta PR in late January?

Meanwhile, hotel status is available here: http://puertoriconow.seepuertorico.com/hotels/

Electricity and other status is available here:http://status.pr/[/quote[/url]]

Not sure, I will ask and get you an answer.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [david] [ In reply to ]
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david wrote:
How is the bike course . . . I think I saw some of that on the news and with all of the other issues it would seem optimistic to have that back in shape.

This is my main concern with regards to the race. It was in pretty bad shape in spots last year already.

Dimond Bikes Superfan
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [david] [ In reply to ]
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david wrote:
Our thoughts continue to be with you and your island. I was treated very well there last year and my emotional connection to all of your continues.

How is the bike course . . . I think I saw some of that on the news and with all of the other issues it would seem optimistic to have that back in shape.

Best wishes,


Thanks, David. It certainly hasn't been easy. A lot of rural parts in PR that were really affected are still struggling to say the least. Going on 6 weeks without electricity at home (since Hurricane Irma prior to Maria). We have a backup generator we turn on at night to run the fridge, cook, etc. We will get through it. If triathlon training has taught me anything, it is too push through the pain and hard times.

The road course was mostly debris that need to be cleared and some sections repaved. Near I would say Mile 10 there was a small bridge which collapsed that is already being repaired. It is estimated at 1.5 months in construction time. The road needs to be repaired asap as it is usually has plenty of traffic on it. It is one of the only ways to get to the towns of Toa Baja and Dorado unless you use the expressway.

Anyhow, I will keep you guys updated.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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They should mark the entry fee down $50-75 but make it required to bring 1 suitcase full of supplies. Airlines should support this idea.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you very much for the update. I had a business call with a colleague in San Juan on Monday. We did not talk about the race specifically, but we did talk in general about condition. He was not as optimistic. I have not registered for anything yet in 2018, and this is on the top of my list. I am promoting it from doubtful to questionable. I am looking forward to that questionable-to-probable promotion. :)
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [exxxviii] [ In reply to ]
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Official e-mail released today: "After an initial assessment of the race venue and schedules pertaining to street cleanup, hotel re-openings, flights, etc. we have decided to continue with the event as planned for Sunday, March 18, 2018. As native Puerto Ricans, we strongly believe that the island's recovery will benefit from a swift economic restart and the Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico has a direct impact on the local economy through the many local, small businesses that provide services to the event, the retail/hotel/leisure sectors that serve both outside and local participants and their families, as well as the temporary employment it provides to dozens of locals that work in the event."
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [HuffNPuff] [ In reply to ]
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Went to enter as I have been to the island and like it a lot. Price is insane though, so will definitely take a pass.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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Any updates on the course? I see that the 2 hotels right at the start, The Caribe Hilton and Condado Plaza, are both closed at least through June 2018 so won't be open for the race. The hotels still being closed makes me think this is not the year to do this race, which is too bad because I have done it twice before and loved it.

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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [wmcc] [ In reply to ]
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wmcc wrote:
Any updates on the course? I see that the 2 hotels right at the start, The Caribe Hilton and Condado Plaza, are both closed at least through June 2018 so won't be open for the race. The hotels still being closed makes me think this is not the year to do this race, which is too bad because I have done it twice before and loved it.

I love their attitude that they want to continue on with the race and bring some normalcy to things. That stated, if some of the bare necessities for athletes coming from out of town, like hotel lodging, are hard or impossible to come by then they need to really think hard about having the race. 50% of the island is still without power.

Is your experience really going to be all that great down in P.R. even if you can find a room somewhere. I took a cruise over Thanksgiving week in which San Juan was one of the original destinations. Our whole itinerary was changed due to the Irma and Maria damage. We did end up going to St. Thomas, and were actually the first cruise ship back since Irma and Maria. That island was still pretty well fucked up and not as bad as what I heard it's like in Puerto Rico. I would not have wanted to spend much time in St. Thomas in those conditions, much less worse like things are in San Juan.

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [wmcc] [ In reply to ]
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I had already decided not to go, but it would be a real bummer to have the race with those hotels closed. A big part of what I liked about the event was how convenient everything was with the hotel right next to transition.

Dimond Bikes Superfan
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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"Is the race still on for Sunday March 18, 2018?
Yes, the race continues as planned.

Why is the race still on? Isn't it better to postpone it for 2019?
The BNSPORTS Team is a local IRONMAN 70.3 licensee based in San Juan. We strongly feel that the economic impact that the event has on the local economy and the temporary jobs it generates are important and necessary. We want to help our island come back stronger than ever before, and we want to welcome all triathletes, local and foreign, to join us and be part of this great journey.

Was the race venue course affected by Hurricane Maria?
While Hurricane Maria had a strong impact throughout Puerto Rico, some areas were more affected than others, specifically in the towns outside the capital/metropolitan area. The race course was impacted by debris, mostly tree branches and a handful of fallen light posts on the bike course. As of today, all areas of the course have been cleaned. You can expect the same great race experience, wonderful views and scenic sights as in previous races. We are ready for race day and Puerto Rico is open for business.

Do you have the support of the local government agencies for the event? How about event volunteers?
We have received full support from the local agencies, including the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the City of San Juan, Municipal/State Police, and Department of Public Works amongst others. Also, our volunteers are eager to be part of this signature event once again and will be cheering on the participants as they have always done.

Do you have pictures of the race course?
Yes, we do! We have posted the most recent photos and time-lapse videos of the course on the event's social media channels (Facebook's Photo Album, Twitter and Instagram). These prove how quickly and amazingly nature rebuilt everything- along with the help of a team of strong-minded Puertorriqueños!

I want to do my part for Puerto Rico. How can I help?
Register for the race, book your stay and bring your family and friends. Your visit goes a long way contributing to the local economy. We encourage you to prolong your stay so you can volunteer for a good cause, enjoy a road trip around Puerto Rico, enjoy our local cuisine and meet our wonderful people. You can also donate to the charities we have included during the registration process.

Do you have volunteer opportunities that I can be part of while I'm in Puerto Rico?
Yes, we have. We are partnering with local charities and the IRONMAN Foundation to offer volunteer opportunities the day(s) after the race for participants and families who want to be involved with our Island's rebuilding efforts. These will be mainly in areas where the event has a footprint as a way to give back to those communities that have supported us throughout the years.

Are hotels open for business? Is the Caribe Hilton taking reservations?
We have partner hotels located within walking distance from the swim start and transition area. We have negotiated great discounted rates for our triathletes. These are listed in the event website under Travel Accommodations.[/url] These hotels include Sheraton Hotel & Casino, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Courtyard Marriott Miramar and the Condado Plaza Hilton (next to swim start). Just click on the reservations here[/url].
The Caribe Hilton recently notified us that the hotel will not be open for reservations for most of 2018. The hotel had scheduled a full-scale remodeling for 2019 and decided to advance the work throughout 2018.

Where will the Expo Village be located? Registrations?
The 2018 IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Rico Expo, Athlete Check-In, Athlete Briefings, and Awards will be located at the Parque Del Tercer Milenio, which is adjacent to the Transition Area (Estadio Sixto Escobar). Rather than an indoor expo at the Caribe Hilton, we will have an outdoor expo setup similar to other IRONMAN / IRONMAN 70.3 events. Our awesome expo will be adjacent to the beach (great views of the Atlantic Ocean) and next to the Bateria del Escambron, a signature fortification built by the Spanish back in the late 1700's.

Do partner hotels have electricity? I saw in major news outlets that there are still areas around the island without power.
Our partner hotels are located in the Condado / Miramar neighborhoods of San Juan. These areas have full power generation from the grid. As of 12/05/17, the Island has reached 68% power generation and 93% have water. There is still a lot of work to be done in Puerto Rico but the local and federal governments are working diligently to bring these numbers up in the coming weeks. However, these challenges will not affect your race experience, travel plans, or the opportunity to volunteer after the race."
Last edited by: TerwooRd: Jan 12, 18 9:30
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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I was entered in La Vuelta PR for late Jan 2018 but the RD finally pulled the plug on it in early Dec and rolled our registrations over to Jan 2019. It should be a lot better then. Too bad about the Caribbe Hilton closing for the year, but that sounds like a smart decision to accelerate their remodel plans during a year when there will be a lot fewer visitors. I sure hope the 70.3 goes off well. I've done it twice and enjoyed it both times.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [TerwooRd] [ In reply to ]
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I wanted to ask them why it is so much more expensive than most 70.3 races.....
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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I’ve spent a lot of time working in Puerto Rico since Maria made landfall - mostly in the central mountains but I was in San Juan the week before Xmas. Much of San Juan now has power - with the exception of traffic lights. They are hit/miss. The rest of the island isnt getting power as towers and lines haven’t been replaced. Cell service is vastly improved and pretty good in San Juan now.

Hotel accommodations in SJ will be a challenge - the Sheraton might have rooms. Airbnb has been a pretty good option, but most hosts are looking for longer term agreements and getting them from either displaced residents or contract workers. Rental cars are VERY VERY difficult to find (FEMA and other agencies have tapped out the supply) Even if you secure a reservation and pre pay they may not have a car when you arrive. Taxis are available in San Juan but not all will be able to accommodate bikes. If you go, it will almost certainly be a logistically messy race. All that said, the people of Puerto Rico are lovely and gracious. I’m looking forward to getting back down there in a few days.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [donzist] [ In reply to ]
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donzist wrote:
They sent a press release yesterday that the race will take place as planned.

We are still 5 months out. The run course and swim (obviously) course did not suffer any damage. In fact, prior to the hurricane they finished the boardwalk overlooking the ocean near the start of the run course. The road on the bike course did suffer damage and is being repaired. Most likely will get new pavement in sections due to the repairs.

The Caribe Hilton (host hotel) is closed for repairs but I believe is scheduled to open in December. I heard the Condado Plaza hotel (across the bridge from transition) is undergoing final inspections and will reopen soon as well.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. I live in PR.

Does anyone have an up-date on this race? Course conditions? Also, unable to find any reviews from 2018

Had a reserved room at the Hilton Caribe and they cancelled it and refunded my money yesterday saying the hotel is not ready to be opened yet. On the Ironman site, they now list 2 different hotels. How far away from the start is the Hyatt?

Thank you.
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Re: Puerto Rico 70.3? [highflyer] [ In reply to ]
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I did this year, after all concerns about the Hurricane. Organization and hospitality of local people was great !

I stayed in Hyatt House (Hyatt Place is in infront). It's aprox 10/15 min walking to transition/expo.
(a lot of caution to cross the streets, because the traffic light was not working)

- Swim: clear water, calm, non wetsuit
- T1: long. Aprox 0.5 mile from Swim exit to the bike.
- Bike: flat. Asphalt in OK condition with some holes "well marked"
I felt safety all time.
- Run: Hot and humid

Any other questions, just let me know
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