I know ironman gets a lot of negative press and some of it is deserved. I am no fan boy and certainly have thought that most if not all local races have put out a better product in terms of race organization but i raced 70.3 Texas a couple weeks ago and they did a great job.
1) Covid forced them to modernize and fix the checkin process- We went from a manual process that dictated waiting in lines to only come back later in the day and wait in line again to check in the bike. They fixed this and now we have slots to check in which is all electronic and bike checkin is also slotted for your convenience. in our case we were done with both by 9:30AM sat.
2) Swim start- they switched to time trial start from age group and went from a multi hour start to i believe everyone got out w/i 1hr. In a hot race this matters and I never felt congested on the swim.....probably because i swam a little of course though:)..
3) Bike was well stocked for stations with everything needed and volunteers ready. I did see some blatant drafting and a lot of people in the penalty box but no way around that on a flat course i guess and it really did not affect me.
4) Run- very well supported and great to see all the spectators. I actually think having the cups sitting on a table is much better and easier to grab and go.
5) Finish- went right through food tent (grabbed what i wanted) and you could either sit outside with some canopies and eat or actually go into transition and pack up your stuff. Another huge plus as historically we had to wait until 2 or later to get out.
I am not one to get too concerned over social distancing but from what i observed if you wanted to be distanced at all times you certainly could be as the framework was there and followed pretty well.
Again good job and keep the races coming Ironman and all RDs!! Was great to get out and race even with tough conditions.
1) Covid forced them to modernize and fix the checkin process- We went from a manual process that dictated waiting in lines to only come back later in the day and wait in line again to check in the bike. They fixed this and now we have slots to check in which is all electronic and bike checkin is also slotted for your convenience. in our case we were done with both by 9:30AM sat.
2) Swim start- they switched to time trial start from age group and went from a multi hour start to i believe everyone got out w/i 1hr. In a hot race this matters and I never felt congested on the swim.....probably because i swam a little of course though:)..
3) Bike was well stocked for stations with everything needed and volunteers ready. I did see some blatant drafting and a lot of people in the penalty box but no way around that on a flat course i guess and it really did not affect me.
4) Run- very well supported and great to see all the spectators. I actually think having the cups sitting on a table is much better and easier to grab and go.
5) Finish- went right through food tent (grabbed what i wanted) and you could either sit outside with some canopies and eat or actually go into transition and pack up your stuff. Another huge plus as historically we had to wait until 2 or later to get out.
I am not one to get too concerned over social distancing but from what i observed if you wanted to be distanced at all times you certainly could be as the framework was there and followed pretty well.
Again good job and keep the races coming Ironman and all RDs!! Was great to get out and race even with tough conditions.