I am looking to do my first in '05 (had to pull out of '04 IMLP due to new baby on the way). In looking at all the options I am looking at IM Wisco or The Duke Blue Devil which begs the question: Is it better for a first timer to complete an “official” IM event or will a non IM event bring the same satisfaction. If you knew me, I am not a person who has to do an event just to say I did an IM sanctioned event. I really care more about the challenge of the distance. I like the idea of the majority of my entry fee going to charity as I have had some deaths in my family/friend network that could benefit from the dollars.
I am just looking for some honest feedback. If people truly believe that an “official” IM event brings about a better experience, especially for a first timer, then that is the way to go. I will have my wife and two children to please as well so…
IM Moo 2005 is full, so perhaps that makes your decision easier…unless you plan on qualifying.
If you want IMFL, you better get your $425 ready for next Sunday at active.com. It will surely be a record breaking sellout.
As for IM vs. non-IM, there’s many factors to consider…location/travel costs being the (IMO) most important. Also has to do with your mental toughness. At IMNA events, you’ll have good crowd support on each run along with 2,000 competitors. Other events get rather lonely…
I think Panana City is the ultimate 1st timer venue (if you can stomach an ocean swim)…but IM Moo is BY FAR the most spectator friendly.
Other non IMNA events to consider are the Great Floridian and Ultramax. Mark did a great job with the US Half Champs that I competed in last month.
The Blue Devil will give you all the satisfaction you need. It is challenging (meaning: hilly, even the run course is hilly), and while the hills aren’t 2 miles long at a time, there are many that brought me down to about 7 mph…that’s steep. It has two loops on the bike with 4-5 aid stations, the run is 5 loops of 5.2 miles each with LOTS of aid stations…and they are partying big-time for the benefit of urging the athletes onward. I believe I remember BIll Scott, the RD saying there were over 900 volunteers! Bill, correct me if I got that wrong. That’s essentially two volunteers per racer if the race fills up. As far as spectator friendly, I don’t know how it can get more friendly! You pass the start-finish line FIVE times. And they call your name out every time. There are grandstands there for the spectators, and shuttles to take them back and forth out of the park if they don’t want to stay all day. It’s got to be potentially the cheapest IM race, too. If you raise enough money to cover the cost of the race, you essentially race for only $25.00. That’s right, the price of two pizzas from Pizza Hut. Plus, the money goes for cancer treatment/research. I wholeheartedly support the Blue Devil. I think they are supposed to announce the race day after December 1st. I hope you’ll choose this race.