I’m thinking about signing up for the GA Rock & Rollman in early June and am looking for some feedback on the course and how the race was run. Any suggestions for an early June 1/2 in the southeast over this one?
Any and all feedback is welcome.
dmpeak,
I have never done a triathlon before. I do live in Macon, where the event is held, and know this to be a great town. I used to lifeguard many moons ago out at the lake where the event is being held.
I am also doing this race. This will be my first 1/2IM(or any TRI), and I expect it to be loads of fun.
There is a good local community here, and I have talked with the Race Director, Jim, on the phone and he seems to be a really nice fellow. People I have talked to said it was a good race.
I DO KNOW the course is quite hilly. I run/ride on these all the time. Also, it can get quite muggy and hot her in early June, so… be prepared for that as well.
Anyone looking to do this race that is wanting some “local” info on cheap (and good) places to stay, etc… Please feel free to private msg me or even email me. occy AT occy DOT net
Trae
Did the race last year.
Venue is excellent. Clean lake, plenty of room in T1, (only 4 bikes per rack), very few cars on the bike route, run is in a residential neighborhood.
Local hotels are inexpensive and only about 3 to 5 miles away. Plenty of parking, etc, so access to the race start is easy.
Race is run by Setup-inc. Very reputable.
Some of the best post race sponsors I’ve ever experienced including food from Outback Steakhouse, Open kegs, live band, showers, door prizes at the awards banquet, etc.
The race: swim water temp was 76 the day before the race and moved to 79 overnight during a massive thunderstorm that dumped buckets of rain in the area and warmed up the lake. So, even though it was 95 degrees outside, the swim might be wetsuit legal. Be prepared.
T1 is about 200 yard run through sand and up a hill, but Set-up put kiddy pools that you could run through and completly rinse your feet. Its such a excellent idea, I don’t understand why more race directors don’t do that.
Bike is hilly. The rolling hills are very similar to Ralph’s except there is only one significant climb of about 300 to 400 feet.
Last year’s run was only slightly hilly. The hills were not even an issue for me and I’m not a great runner.
The issue is the heat. You had better have a good hydration plan.
The race is good one. Good luck.
I also did the race last year. It was the innagural event. Only a couple suggestions where they could have improved and they are doing those this year. Last year there were no finishers medals, and the run course was a bit hilly. This year they have added finishers medals and have a new “flatter” course. Its a great event though. The bike course is rolling and just enough to make you think about your pacing. The biggest issue last year was the heat on the run. June in Macon is hot. I think the temps were around 95, but the Heat Index was around 110. Now, I live 1 hour south of Macon and I’m used to training in it, but for some, that might be an issue. Smart hydration will be a big plus! I’m going back!!
This is a good race. Well done. Be prepared for a rolling bike and a hot run.