Like a lot of other people, I’m starting to put together a race schedule for next year. I want to do a few half’s, so what do you think is the best half (or list a few if you want) in the US? How about a best of each region?
Start with a search. This topic has been talked about a lot.
In the northeast, Mooseman and Timberman typically are the most popular, and in my view, the best run.
I have the same question as the OP.
Isn’t there some sort of a one-stop-shopping site that lists a good portion of the half- and full-distance Ironman races?
trifind.com lists a bunch of halfs. I’m more interested in finding out which ones are worth doing.
Vineman Half, Timberman, Eagleman, Disney Half, White Lake Half, Steelhead all seem to get good reviews. (Vineman is my favorite)
5430 Half, but it’s at altitude if that’s an issue
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Definitely Steelhead in August, and how about IM California in March?
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Timberman sets the bar that other HIMs get measured by. Give KJ enuff time, and he’ll take over the whole country; he’s already starting new races in TX that are sure to be excellent.
For some reason (Kona slots, I guess) Eagleman sells out in a jiffy, but it’s not ‘all that’. I’m in no rush to do that race. YMMV.
If you define best as being hard or challenging, then the Endurasport HIM in Harriman NY (5/19/07 for this upcoming season) is one of the hardest HIM’s there is.
If I lived on the left coast I’d wanna do Wildflower at least once, just to have done it.
yes, we are on a quest for world dominance!!! Hopefully I’ll succeed before it kills me:)
We’re pretty partial to our events, and feel they’re some of the best. Lots of good races out there, though…
I really like Big Kahuna in Santa Cruz, CA. Run and bike is along the coast…finish is on the beach.
I’m a big fan of Buffalo Springs and 5430.
The 5430 is my personal favorite as well. 
Barry does a great job on this race. He gets some big name participants but still manages to cater to the age group athlete.The race is extremely well run and still maintains a small race feel.
The fact that it is Boulder only adds the whipped cream on top.
G
West - Wildflower / 5430 / Ralphs /Vineman
East - Timberman / Mightyman Montauk / I would checkout Newfoundland 70.3
Southeast - Eagleman
Midwest - Steelhead
.Vineman - I loved it.
Worlds Toughest in Auburn Ca. Very hard course, support was pretty good. On the smaller side. You need to define “best”.
Timberman is the only half I’ve done, but I would definitely recommend it! Great race.
Worlds Toughest in Auburn Ca. Very hard course, support was pretty good. On the smaller side. You need to define “best”.
I would rather not define best. It means different things to different people. I would like to see what races people like and why. There have already been some posts about races I would have never thought of doing, but might check them out based on people’s rec’s and experiences. For some people, best means hardest, for others it means location/scenery on the course. Maybe the quality of the field or quality race direction is most important for some people. I just want to see what’s out there without limiting the choices to hardest half or one closest to a beach.
Halfmax outside of St. Louis – very challenging course, and the Ultramax people do an outstanding job. The resort that hosts the race is pretty nice, too.
Vineman, Steelhead, Mooseman are good races from what I hear. I can’t wait to do Vineman, personally though.
Worlds Toughest. Great venue, grassroots feel with friendly people all over. Good swag bag.