When does this race traditionally open up it’s general entry for registration?
I heard from Tom Z that it would be in the next few weeks…
Brad
Dont think you have to worry about it selling out. Registration was open till a couple weeks before the race this year.
What can I say, I hate to miss a Sufferfest! LOL
Any truth to the rumors they are moving it from Disney to Haines City?
I’ll be doing that race again next year. Good time, and fun for the family.
Any truth to the rumors they are moving it from Disney to Haines City?
I hope not, really want to do this race again in 2012.
I’ve heard rumors of venue switch due to renovation at wilderness area, but who knows. I guess just wait and see in the next few weeks.
I heard that too.
I tried emailing Disney/Espn Wide World of Sports Events last week and they wouldnt give out any info, just said to contact Ironman for information on their event.
That’s because Disney/WWOS doesn’t produce this race, WTC does. Disney has just let us play in their backyard the last several years.
Any truth to the rumors they are moving it from Disney to Haines City?
I hope not, really want to do this race again in 2012.
Everything I have heard says the mouse wanted a lot of $$$ so it was moved to Haines City.
I would be surprised. Haines City is not a tourist town and doesn’t have the hotel rooms necessary to stage the event. In addition, late May is a slow time for Disney.
Any truth to the rumors they are moving it from Disney to Haines City?
I hope not, really want to do this race again in 2012.
Everything I have heard says the mouse wanted a lot of $$$ so it was moved to Haines City.
The rumor I heard from a pretty good source is that Disney isn’t that interested in the event being on their property because it only draws 2,000-2,500 athletes which they don’t feel produces that much revenue vs the 25,000+ of their running races, but causes a similar level of hassle. However, I heard this coming year it would still occur but would be the last year. I have to be honest and may get some abuse for saying this - but in past years for every 1 compliment of the race, there were at least 10 complaints about how awful the run course was combined with the normal mid-May heat of Florida and how they would never do the race again.
In the last few years entry for the race didn’t close until right before the event and I’m not even sure it sold out. When you combine all of this together I can see why Disney isn’t too enthused. A similar thing happened with the Trek Women’s Triathlon last Fall - it had traditionally been at the same venue as the Florida 70.3 in early September every year - they left Disney and did it in Clermont - needless to say the participation was not comparable to the Disney venue.
It’s sad because it’s such a great way to do a 70.3 while your family gets to enjoy for many what is a once in a lifetime Disney visit. Plus there is just something about racing on Disney property that exudes a certain bit of vacation essence that you don’t get elsewhere. Although Haines City is convenient for me, I’m pretty doubtful I’d shell out $300 to do a race there - there is absolutely nothing interesting in that area. If they absolutely have to move it, maybe they’ll look at Clermont - people would be very surprised to find a very hilly course upon arrival…Plus the current RD has a very successful history of putting on class act races in Clermont. Will be interesting…
x2 trimilf–the bike course is nice but the run course is one of the worst I have ever had to endure. despite the tourist attraction of disney(i am a huge fan) that run course combined with the heat is the worst-i would never return
It’s a great destination race. I would certainly miss it if it was moved. Run course is brutal but that is part of racing.
Thinking about doing the race next year. How bad is the run?
Thinking about doing the race next year. How bad is the run?
Not as bad as everyone says it is. A lot of people blame their bad run on things that were a given going into the race. It is Florida in May. It will be hot and humid. If you set your expectations accordingly you won’t be disappointed. The ONLY draw back in my eyes is the it is a 3 looper. Great for family to see you multiple times but that third lap you are weaving everywhere. Especially if you start in the last wave and are running at any kind of speed.
For what it’s worth, I raced this year and had a crappy crappy race (swim and bike was dismal). I will be coming back for redemption if it is still at Disney.
Got it, live in Georgia, heat and humidity are my daily training partners. Hope they remain at Disney, I have the whole family excited to go. A rarity. Thanks.
Isn’t there a Busch Gardens park there? - I think I remember going to see the grandparents in law and going - actually would not be a bad venue… But on the other side of the coin - having traveled from Texas with the family to do this race 3 times - Disney was always the draw…
Busch Gardens is in Tampa. Still a little ways away.