I am thinking of doing the Battle of Waterloo in August. Anyone have a race report? Is it well ran, would you do it again. Is it worth the $140 entry fee?
Thanks for any input.
BoW was a ton of fun.
It was very well run, especially for a race that covers a lot of territory.
I am planning on racing again this year.
Is it worth $140? That depends on what you are looking for. They gave you a nice tech-T, and had nice awards and door prizes. Post race food was ok. Aid stations had the basics. I finished in about 3 1/2 hours so it was ok in $ per hour.
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Didn’t do it but know several that did. Heard one of the lakes was quite weedy, but other than that well run all things considered. I’m signed up…love these many-leg, multi-discipline races that are popping up. Should be a blast. Still need to figure out how to carry my shoes. Tried to ride with them in the back pocket of my jersey last week - did NOT work - not deep enough. Trying to come up with something that will ride between my shoulder blades to minimize the drag in the water.
Thanks for your thoughts. Any advice on shoe carrying method? How about the course, hilly, flat, intermediate? Road bike or tri ?
Thanks again
I used a dry bag to carry my shoes in the water. I had some line and clips to make it easier to carry. I tried dragging it behind me at first, but the bag was just scooping water and creating a lot of drag. I re-did the lines to have it slung over one shoulder and ‘ride’ on my hip while swimming.
My buddy Todd, just stuffed his shoes into his shorts and didn’t have a problem. I would be worried that I would get to the end of the swim with only 1 shoe.
The bike course is mildly rolling. Definitely tri bike friendly.
The runs were rolling also. The biggest obstacle was the black/deer/horse/elephant flies!
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I second what efernand said. I was there last year as well and can’t wait for it this year. It’s a very fun, well-supported event! * *The course wasn’t particularly tough in and of itself, but the high heat and headwind (3rd swim) sure made things interesting. The run was rolling at worst and not rugged I’ve been to many races with just as good support and course markings, but none better. There was no way to get lost out there–just put your head down and go even though you really feel like you’re out in the sticks for most of the time. Know too that there was an aid station about every mile on the runs and that cold water, HEED, Clif Bars, and salty snacks were ample at each stop staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. This was a race produced by veteran multisport athletes and it clearly showed from beginning to end. Put this one on your calendar for next year!
Finally, there was something about the cross country nature of the race and not knowing what was around the next corner coupled with some required creativity as to what is the best way to carry shoes, etc . that really made me love this race. I’ve been in triathlon for a long time now (22 years) and this race was a breath of fresh air. I’m told people who race SOS feel the same way and I’m thankful we have something like it around here.
Hope to see you there!
I will third what the other two said. It’s a lot of fun, and it was the first race I decided on and signed up for in 2010.
I put one shoe in the back of each short leg for the swim, on the recommendation of a SOS veteran. Worked great, no real concern for them falling out, and it seemed to have no effect on my swim. I tried (in practice, not in the race) the way they show in the picture on the website, and it was like swimming with a drag chute - I would not recommend it.
As for value, well, let’s just say my $/hour cost was a lot less than efernand! But it’s kind of a ‘nearly 1/2 IM’ total distance, so I think the cost is appropriate.
It is a great race and the entry fee is $130 until July 18th. Lots of fun and an adventure through the woods and lakes.