Last year the water temp was 59 as I recall. To me, that’s pretty cold. But the bigger issue is that you don’t get a chance to ease in and get used to the water. You march down a ramp and just go for it. When that cold water hits your face it can be breathtaking. I didn’t use a neoprene cap or booties. And I had a great swim!

It was quite pleasant that evening after dark. I can’t imagine needing any extra gear other than whatever you normally race in.

I didn’t like the special needs setup on the bike leg. The volunteers did not hand you your bag while you rolled by. You had to come to a stop. They were pretty quick getting my bag but I much prefer to roll through.

Tips...

Definitely do the practice swim the day or so before to get an idea of the water temp.
Prepare to dress warm prior to the swim start. It will be a cold morning.
Don’t show up thinking the whole course is flat like I did. There’s a pretty good hill on the run course that you’ll have to do twice.

Good luck and enjoy it. It’s a great course!

Cheers,

1. Anyone know the historical water temps? Heard stories of people getting out of the water and it being super cold. Will I need a neoprene hat or booties?

2. Targeting a finish between 12 - 13 hrs. Sunset in Tempe on Nov 24th is 5:21pm, so I'll obviously be finishing in the dark. Will I want a light jacket or arm warmers or anything?

3. How does special needs work? I.e. is it fast, or a cluster? I get off my bike and run into a sea of bags hoping to find mine quickly, or do the awesome volunteers help?

4. Any recommended insider tips?

First IM (I've done a bunch of 70.3), 50 year old MOPer. Thanks in advance for your help.

1. Anyone know the historical water temps? Heard stories of people getting out of the water and it being super cold. Will I need a neoprene hat or booties?
All the other replies give good insight on this race, if you are traveling to Tempe, bring booties and Neoprene Hat- The lake temps have varied over the years and some years i've worn 2 latex caps and last year I had neoprene hat & booties. Lake temps are influenced by overnight low temps, last year was a cold year. Really important: bring a headlamp in the morning since it will still be dark thru 6:30a or so.

2. Targeting a finish between 12 - 13 hrs. Sunset in Tempe on Nov 24th is 5:21pm, so I'll obviously be finishing in the dark. Will I want a light jacket or arm warmers or anything? Other replies are spot on, keep running and you won't be cold, depending on forecasts i will toss arm warmers in my special needs bag.

3. How does special needs work? I.e. is it fast, or a cluster? I get off my bike and run into a sea of bags hoping to find mine quickly, or do the awesome volunteers help? As others mentioned you will stop. As you approach Special Needs, last year they had athlete #'s 100-300, 300-600, etc so you had a better idea of where you needed to stop. They bring you your bag, i've been lucky - They hold it for you while you get stuff out, - then ride on. - PS. This course if infamous for flats, so having a tube and co2 in SN's is a good idea.

4. Any recommended insider tips?
Your 70.3 experience has prepped you for a great race, here is what i feel are my must do for this race: 1. Smoke or mirrored goggles for the swim- as we swim into the sun. 2. Mark your Transition and SN bags with bright duct tape so they stand out in the sea of bags- like bright green on the sides- easy to spot and grab if a volunteer is not available. Also gives your fans a target for photo ops. 3. Ride defensively, it does get windy (windier as the day progresses) and many inexperienced riders, renting deep wheels, go 3 wide, and begin swerving. Yell when making a pass to let them know you are there. 4. Local Triathlon shop is nearby, Moxie Multi-Sport, has everything you need. 5. Have a great race!

Thanks in advance!

4. Any recommended insider tips?

Thanks in advance!

If it looks like it might rain, throw a small trash bag into your spec needs bag - you can use it as a temporary poncho. Works really well.