I’ve participated in the sprint distance race in both 2018 and 2019 and wanted to both congratulate and thank Challenge for putting on a terrific event. This might get a bit lengthy, but I want to both describe the race and give the event it’s due. I hope anyone who did the half distance race will weigh in with their thoughts.
The venue is without a doubt the draw, and riding and running on the track is a uniquely cool experience. Having said that, the organization and logistics of the race were also first rate. Lodging, parking, race registration/packet pickup were all easy. The volunteers were numerous and upbeat and there was a great positive energy everywhere.
Race morning began with a one hour delay due to a passing thunderstorm. Challenge quickly announced this onsite and sent an email regarding the change. The weather cleared nicely for the rest of the weekend. Challenge CEO Zibi Szlufcik was walking through transition pre race and we had the chance to have a quick but nice conversation about what a great venue this was for triathlon.
The pro am swim started on time and it was fun to see the pros do the swim leg. The age group race went off, tt start, three swimmers at a time. I had put myself near the front of the 10-15 minute corral and outside of the usual congestion before the first few bouys, it was fine. 68 degree water, no issues. A few friends said it measured a bit long on their watches and my time would probably suggest that, but the course was very well marked and safe.
Transition was just adjacent to the swim, big enough and well laid out, with individual numbers for your spot. You were quickly on the bike and onto the track itself. This is the one area of concern with the sprint race. It is absolutely great to ride on the track and the ride was changed this year to spend more than half the 20k ride on it, 3 1/2 laps. As the laps went by and more riders got onto the track, it did get crowded and you had to be very careful. Folks were riding at different speeds and as much as we are conditioned to never pass on the right, it was almost impossible not to as most people were trying to ride close to the track apron and not on the bank. I think there is a potential way to get the track experience for everyone without the safety issue by doing a lap and a half and then possibly using Midway Blvd. right outside of the speedway grounds to make up the mileage necessary. Having said all that, if you were reasonably cautious you were able to navigate the ride.
The run was straightforward...out of transition and one full lap of the track, with a bit of an infield detour to make up the full 5K. It left me with an appreciation of the scale of the place as the backstretch and last turn seemed to go on for a good long while...and it got warm!
Results were quickly available and awards started promptly at the announced time in Victory Lane. Nice upgrade to the awards this year from 2018.The race was competitive in nearly all the age groups. I went a minute plus faster than 2018 and dropped two spots in the 60-64’s. The AG winner Mike had a great race. Have to give props here to Triathlon Taren, who won his age group. One other bonus? We were sitting in the same bleacher row at awards as Reece and Lucy Charles-Barclay and got to say hi.
The twilight pro race was fantastic, stadium triathlon at its best. I’ve been in the sport for 35 years but it is always remarkable to see how fast the pros go in all three disciplines. As good as they all are, Starky and Lionel were noticeably faster on the bike, lap after lap. And what run duels for both the men and women! I walked away very impressed with it all. Oh, and watching this I don’t think we have yet seen Lionel Sanders best day.
The whole experience has been just great the past two years and I’d highly recommend it. Thanks again to the Challenge organization for putting it all together.
The venue is without a doubt the draw, and riding and running on the track is a uniquely cool experience. Having said that, the organization and logistics of the race were also first rate. Lodging, parking, race registration/packet pickup were all easy. The volunteers were numerous and upbeat and there was a great positive energy everywhere.
Race morning began with a one hour delay due to a passing thunderstorm. Challenge quickly announced this onsite and sent an email regarding the change. The weather cleared nicely for the rest of the weekend. Challenge CEO Zibi Szlufcik was walking through transition pre race and we had the chance to have a quick but nice conversation about what a great venue this was for triathlon.
The pro am swim started on time and it was fun to see the pros do the swim leg. The age group race went off, tt start, three swimmers at a time. I had put myself near the front of the 10-15 minute corral and outside of the usual congestion before the first few bouys, it was fine. 68 degree water, no issues. A few friends said it measured a bit long on their watches and my time would probably suggest that, but the course was very well marked and safe.
Transition was just adjacent to the swim, big enough and well laid out, with individual numbers for your spot. You were quickly on the bike and onto the track itself. This is the one area of concern with the sprint race. It is absolutely great to ride on the track and the ride was changed this year to spend more than half the 20k ride on it, 3 1/2 laps. As the laps went by and more riders got onto the track, it did get crowded and you had to be very careful. Folks were riding at different speeds and as much as we are conditioned to never pass on the right, it was almost impossible not to as most people were trying to ride close to the track apron and not on the bank. I think there is a potential way to get the track experience for everyone without the safety issue by doing a lap and a half and then possibly using Midway Blvd. right outside of the speedway grounds to make up the mileage necessary. Having said all that, if you were reasonably cautious you were able to navigate the ride.
The run was straightforward...out of transition and one full lap of the track, with a bit of an infield detour to make up the full 5K. It left me with an appreciation of the scale of the place as the backstretch and last turn seemed to go on for a good long while...and it got warm!
Results were quickly available and awards started promptly at the announced time in Victory Lane. Nice upgrade to the awards this year from 2018.The race was competitive in nearly all the age groups. I went a minute plus faster than 2018 and dropped two spots in the 60-64’s. The AG winner Mike had a great race. Have to give props here to Triathlon Taren, who won his age group. One other bonus? We were sitting in the same bleacher row at awards as Reece and Lucy Charles-Barclay and got to say hi.
The twilight pro race was fantastic, stadium triathlon at its best. I’ve been in the sport for 35 years but it is always remarkable to see how fast the pros go in all three disciplines. As good as they all are, Starky and Lionel were noticeably faster on the bike, lap after lap. And what run duels for both the men and women! I walked away very impressed with it all. Oh, and watching this I don’t think we have yet seen Lionel Sanders best day.
The whole experience has been just great the past two years and I’d highly recommend it. Thanks again to the Challenge organization for putting it all together.