In looking at late-season half-iron distances races that are within easy driving distance of me (near St. Louis), I came across the Great Illini in Neoga, Illinois. Looks like it’ll be ~2.5hr drive.
Another option is Halfmax at Innsbrook, which is less than 1/2hr from me. But, the run course is a mofo, and, being a “National Championship”, I’m not sure I want to do it as my first half.
Anyway… Does anyone have experience with the Great Illini? If so, tell me about it - course descriptions, organization, support, etc… Specific questions I’d have about the course are…
Swim: How’s the lake? Wetsuit-legal, I assume?
Bike: How hilly? Safe (closed lane, cops at intersections, etc.)?
Run: How hilly? How are the aid stations (how many, good stock)?
Thanks.
Steve
I did it last year and really enjoyed it. The swim was a two loop course, wetsuit legal, and was a little short. The bike was also short by about 4 miles, I think they had a last min. change due to construction, Was flat and fast. Traffic was still on the roads but was light and intersection were manned, I had no safety issues. Run was double out and back with maybe a couple of small rollers but nothing to big. it was getting hot by the run, Aid station were well staffed and seamed to be well placed.
This was a small race , very grass roots type, Very nice to park beside transition and not deal with all the big crowds. Everybody was very friendly and helpful, a well ran event. It would be a good first HIM in my opinion. I am thinking of trying to sneak off and do their Mattoon Man 1/3 in two weeks that is ran by the same group.
Thanks. I wasn’t aware that they had a 1/3-distance as well. I assume they’re both on the same course? I’ll have to check them out. The 1/3 would be a good tune-up race for the 1/2 a couple of months later.
Steve