I’m debating between the Nutmeg 1/2IM or the FIRM MAN 1/2 IM in Narrangansett RI .
After looking at the bike course map for Firm Man it seems like there’s a hundred turns. Is it as slow as it looks ?
Did a FIRM sprint race years ago and was impressed with the quality of the race. Any opinions ??
Thanks!
MIke
My husband and I did the Firm 1/2 last year. The bike was not a particularly fast course but it was a great event. I would definitely do it again!
If you search you should find past reviews of the race.
I’ve done it multiple times… there’s some turns on the beginning but overall it’s a fast course with plenty of long straightaways.
Most of the bike is along that highway, 1A maybe?
I did FM last year as well. I don’t really recall much from the bike course, except that it was “hilly” for those of us coming from pancake flat areas. Don’t remember it having too many turns though.
The race starts with an awesome point to point ocean swim…and ends with a leg burning 1/4 to 1/3 of a mile on the beach! Great race though…organization was very good and the venue can’t be beat. I will fly up from FL to do this race again!
Some pics from '06:
If you have any other q’s, let me know…good luck!
Wow ! Great pics.
Good to hear that the bike course isn’t a maze .
Thanks.
Good race…not quite a ‘great’ race, but very close. Usually a fast swim b/c you have the current with you, the bike is a good mix of flats, rollers, and hills with an unpleasant headwind on the return, and the run is mostly flat with one noteworthy hill and a beach sand finish the last 1/4 mile. I think the run is usually a bit short IMO. I’d say this race is definitely worth doing it.
Just do not google “firm man” expecting to get information regarding this race, which I can’t believe I just did
.
I did it twice a few years back - the ocean swim is great and I also agree is fast since you swim with the current. I didn’t like the running on the beach finish though; it was hot the day I did it and the beach was crowded, so I found myself dodging a lot of kids and people along that stretch.
FIrm Man is a great race - perfect venue… I’ve done it twice and have nothing but good things to say. I’d be doing it again this year if it werent for the Nutmeg race. The organizer for the Nutmeg race puts on great events and it is a classic New England venue, probably with a bit tougher bike course and probably a shadier run… they have sprint races there and its gorgeous. Also it appears the field will be a bit more competitive with some pretty big names showing up.
I spoke to a friend about the region of CT where the Nutmeg race is held , apparently its fantastic out that way.
Hmmm kinda leaning towards Nutmeg now.