OK, an opportunity to rant. I enetered the event a few yars ago but couldn't go becasue the store got too busy. I am kind of glad. The cost for accomodations was so incredibly high I could have done Ironman Malaysia for about $600 more and had the whole international travel experience. Hotels wanted a minimum 7 day stay, That seemed excessive. I'd rather go someplace exotic for a few hundred more dollars. If I could stay there for around $400 for all my meals and accomodations for three days I would be there, but from what I'm seeing, that is a no go.

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Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Thanks for the warning Tom - the rates you are giving are substantially higher than what I have found on the web site....this could get interesting. I agree with you about the international thing - had a very pleasant trip to Brazil last year at a very reasonable price - Ken Glah put it together.....

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http://www.endurancesports.ca
Coaching and Training Camps

Tom and Zulu,

You make some good points. The expense of IMNA races is reaching the point where it simply makes more sense to go overseas...Heck, I'm spending as much to drive to IMCdA this year as I would spend to go and race Roth...Simply becase all the hotels in CdA are gouging by requiring 5-7 day stays. That's a bit frustrating. Seriously, the host hotel is like $200 per night with a 5 night minimum.

However, with that said, IMUSA is still my favorite IM (I've done Pineman, IMUSA, IMC, and IMWis). Why? Because LP is an AWESOME town for this type of event. You are the focus of the entire week (yes, you ay as well plan on making a trip out of it). It is a great course and a great/spectator friendly town/event.

LP has a number of houses for rent within walking distance of the oval. I rented a 4 bedroom 3 bath English Tudor 600 yards from the Finish. It is a year-round rental and had a whirlpool tub in the Master Suite. I rented it with 2 other couples and we still had plenty of room for friends/family to stay with us. Was it cheap? Heck no, but I'd rather spend $100 per night (for a week) and share a LARGE house with friends and family than spend the same amount at a hotel on my own. I'd recommend contacting the local housing rental office (that's how we found the place).

After IMCdA, I'll be doing the remainder of my races overseas.

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http://wattieink.com/elite-team/
Raising funds to help wounded veterans and racing RAAM 2013 with http://team4mil.org/
"If you are gonna charge... CHARGE HARD!"

hit up the visitor's center first: http://www.lakeplacid.com or 800.44PLACID. they make reservations for many hotels/motels, but i found they helped little. rather, use the list of accomodations on their website and call personally. i'm staying at the hotel st. mortiz (http://www.hotelsaintmoritz.com) on the suggestions of a few IMLP vets. should run a bit over a hundred a night. they have rooms with a kithenettes (i believe) and as of two weeks ago, they had vacancies... i'm hoping that's not a bad sign. which brings me to my disclaimer: i can not be held responsible for this recommendation, reserve at your own risk! see you in placid.