Dan I have enjoyed your recent thought-provoking threads on the state of triathlon.
For my money, the
Kerrville Half is the best. I've done 12 different IM-branded halves and 5 different full IMs. Kerrville (about 90 mins. SW of Austin and 60 min. NW of San Antonio) is in my opinion by far the best half in Texas. I have done the three IM-branded halves in Texas and Kerrville is far superior to them in every way. The swim is beautiful, in the calm and clean Guadalupe River, surrounded by big trees on the banks. The bike course is mostly gentle rollers, enough to break up any drafting, but not hard. The run is down along the river and there is great crowd support. In addition to the Half, there is a full weekend of racing with a sprint and olympic as well.
Kerrville is a great little town in the Texas Hill Country, with little wine bars and a cool vibe, similar to what you might experience in the small town IM's like Couer d'Alene, Placid, etc.
FWIW, the Kerrville Half was just voted the best local triathlon in
Austin Fit Magazine. It is put on by the event management company led by Jack Murray, formerly of Jack & Adam's bike shop in Austin. Jack loves triathlon and knows the sport well. They created this race from scratch several years ago and it has grown into something special. I think that fact alone, that a new independent half iron race can be born and thrive in recent years is a testament to its quality and atmosphere.
Thanks,
-Doug
It is the mind itself which builds the body.
-Joseph Pilates