I’m a new triathlete at the 70.3 distance and I’m wondering if someone could post their thoughts/knowledge on which 70.3 races are hilly on the bike and run? There is a lot to choose from for 2010! Thanks
I just completed my first HIM a few weekends ago at Muskoka. From what i’ve heard that is supposed to be one of the tougher ones with lots of hills. Regardless it was a beautiful course and I am most likely racing it again.
If you train on hills it really wasn’t too bad on the bike
Savageman in Deep Creek MD, late September. It might have what you’re looking for.
I’m looking specifically at the 70.3 races by Ironman. 
I heard Savageman was VERY tough though!
Muskoka. Easily. Both bike and run. Also at great time of year.
i heard that the new 70.3 in branson MO will be a hilly course for sure!
St. Croix, Buffalo Springs, I bet Branson in the Ozarks will be hilly too.
I’m looking specifically at the 70.3 races by Ironman. I heard Savageman was VERY tough though!
Why? While there are plenty of good Ironman events, you should also think outside of the box.
Atomicman just outside of Knoxville, TN and the Duke Liver Center Half in Cary, NC are known for very tough bike and run courses.
Buffalo Springs
edit: These are canyon climbs so they are very different and really quite fun. The hills on the bike I was ready for but the out and back run has a couple that are long & steep. The main staging ground is in a canyon with a lake. It is pretty neat actually.
70.3 Monaco (hilly bike and run) and 70.3 Germany (fun hilly bike, pretty flat run). 70.3 Austria also has a hugh climb on the bike but a screaming downhill.
I’m looking specifically at the 70.3 races by Ironman.
I’m also curious why you are focused on Ironman 70.3 races. There are plenty of great non-Ironman races that might meet your criteria. Are you looking for a race in any particular part of the country?
Victor
Savageman (MD) & Black Bear ¶ are pretty hilly. Not Ironman sanctioned races, but they live up to the 70.3’s I’ve done in the past with respect to very well set-up races. Obviously not as big, but a lot of people, including myself, really like that aspect. Timberman (NH) is an Ironman 70.3 and it’s kinda hilly. Not nearly as hilly as the prior two mentioned, but it has a few hills on the bike and run that could pose a challenge to some. Awesome atmosphere at the Timberman up in New Hampshire.
Auburn Worlds Toughest: http://www.auburntriathlon.com/
.
+3 on Muskoka. Very tough bike and run.
.
IM70.3Branson - will be hilly…but a fast bike course. The run is pancake flat. I would usually let the athletes offer their reviews of a course after the race is over…but I can confidently tell you that the bike course in Branson will be something “special” that athletes will love. I drive the course now and get goosebumps…a course video is in the works to show you what I am talking about.
Much of the course can be seen in this video from the Tour of Missouri. CLOSED ROADS!
UK 70.3 Wimbleball, hilly bike, hilly run, even the swim is hilly (ok, I mean there is a big hill from the lake to T1)
.
The Rev3 in Connecticut. Not ironman brand, but it has same feel as one. The run is super tough with the kswiss hill, but i think they are chaning it for next year.
Savageman though is by far the toughest bike + run out there
Note: Black Bear is only offering an Olympic and a sprint in 2010, not a 1/2.
IM 70.3 Kansas and IM 70.3 Branson - both have nice hills, not to difficult, but a challenge. www.ironmankansas.com and www.ironmanbranson.com - You can sign up for both events for only $300.00 - $150.00 per event - that is the BEST deal for IM 70.3 races you will see! Z
I’m looking specifically at the 70.3 races by Ironman.
IM events are for-profit races intended to squeeze the maximum number of racers onto the course. You are not going to find the most challenging events there. Difficult courses scare away entrants and don’t make a ton of profit. If you want brand recognition choose IM. If you want challenge and your own little space to race, look elsewhere.
Chad