Anthracite Olympic in Jim Thorpe,PA

Anyone ever run the olympic in Jim Thorpe, PA? Trying to get some feedback on the race.

I did it - or tried to do it - one year. Race day had awful rain. Like couldn’t even see straight rain. They held the race. About halfway through the bike, though, I got stopped at an intersection. Some guy wrecked on the big downhill and was seriously injured. So they cancelled the race. The bike course is epically hard. I would wager that 1:15 or so would be “fast” for that bike course. No idea on the run as I never got to see the run course. Venue is spectacular. Just bad luck on the day.

Thats what ive heard about the bike…always looking for a good challenge though, whats your thoughts…TRI bike or roady?

Its a great race. The bike is very difficult as Rappstar mentioned - over 1,100 feet of climbing. The swim is great as the water is crystal clear, and the run is tough. There is a big long hill climb around mile 2 of the run. The race director and crowd support are excellent, and the venue is gorgeous. The race is also very reasonably priced. I’ve done it twice and plan on going back this year. Highly recommended, but don’t expect an OLY PR!

Thanks! Whats your take on bikes for the race…TT or a roady???

Thats what ive heard about the bike…always looking for a good challenge though, whats your thoughts…TRI bike or roady?

Tri bike for sure. My first race there I used a TT, and last year I used a roadie when my TT was out of commission … It was nice when climbing but there is too much time loss compared to a TT. The descents are not technical enough.

Just reiterating what the others have said, great course/event (assuming it hasn’t changed much as I haven’t done it since '03). Also, very cool awards…coal & a little $$$.

The course may have changed though as I can’t hold a candle to Jordan’s cycling & rode well <1:15. I do recall the run was primarily uphill on the way out & mostly downhill on the return, so you should have a HUGE negative split.


Awesome…Sounds like an awesome race…its looking like a good race to set me up for the Diamond Man Half in September.

Awesome…Sounds like an awesome race…its looking like a good race to set me up for the Diamond Man Half in September.
I’ve raced DiamondMan as well, another good one - completely different course though vs Anthracite.


yeah, it certianly is…looking forward to the nice flats in delaware.