Challenged Athletes Foundation puts on a 1/2 iron distance “event” in La Jolla in October. The timing is perfect for me. They say that it’s not a “race” though. While the podium is always safe from me, I’m wondering what they mean by that. I know the course is not closed to traffic but does anyone have experience with this “event?”
This is a fantastic event! I did it last year (and raised ~$2,500).
The swim is in La Jolla Cove. Just a big triangle out into the cove and back. That time of year sees modest surf. Clean, clear water.
The bike goes up the coast a bit and then inland through Rancho Santa Fe and back to the coast about 20 miles north of La Jolla. It is then a straight shot down the coast back. The bike is rolling throughout. If it were a “real” race, this would be considered a quite tough bike course. But since you are not in any hurry, it is a lot of fun. When else in a triathlon do you get to do a true group ride?
The run is a tough one. You start by climbing 100 feet right out of T2, then right back down to sea level again. Nice run along the beach at La Jolla Shores. Then you climb 400+ feet up to UCSD; rollers for the next 3-4 miles to the turnaround past Torrey Pines golf course, and come back the way you came.
People have fun at this race. It is a big party, and there are always plenty of movie and TV people and pro triathletes. Peter Reid ran on a relay last year. Lori Bowden was there. Bjorn A was in the crowd watching. Scott Tinley comes every year (I passed him on the run 
). Peter Reid yelled out to me and gave me a high five when we passed going in opposite directions. I got to meet Dick Hoyt and got a picture with him and my two boys.
I highly, highly recommend this event. You can swim easy, bike easy with a fun group, and then run hard. (I did that last year and ended up 6th overall – I’d take more pride in that result if it weren’t for the fact that I think I was the only one that ran hard.) As for “results” – yes, you get a timing chip and splits and results, but there are no prizes or anything.
Sign up now! It sells out way in advance every year.
I have gone to watch this the last 3 years…most inspirational race I have ever seen.
Very casual 1/2…at some point they just “start” the runners in the relay category. Even if their bikers are not back and they want to start they can…
FUN is definately the key word for this event.
Trisha