IMCA or IMC (if you had to choose)

Triathlon Forum
1

Wow, I just stumbled upon you guys this morning.

Serious question for experienced IM racers. I’m thinking of going for it and planning to race IM distance for the first time in 2006. I’ve narrowed my choices by location/travel distance/course profiles, but I want to hear from people (preferably who have done both) which one you would do if you were me.

I"m eager to hear your thoughts.

Barkley

2

I can’t comment on IMCA - never done it

IMC - did it last Aug., was my 1st IM - FREAKIN AWESOME.

I cannot imagine an IM being better, maybe equal, but not better. Why?

  1. One loop course - perfect
  2. Fan support - the folks in Penticton and surrounding areas know IM, have been doing it for many years, appreciate the sport and what the athletes bring to the area - they give back. Over 140 miles I did not deal with one a-hole, just the opposits, the locals were very supportive.
  3. Volunteers - these guys and gals were professionals. they all knew triathlon and how to help a triathlete. many had raced IMC in previous years and simply were taking a year off to volunteer, they would be back compeating in the future at IMC
  4. IMC is not just a race one day but rather a week long event
  5. the course it self is challenging
  6. this area of canada is beautiful
  7. the race has an international flavor to it - people from all over the world
3

If by IMCA you mean IM California, it’s only a 1/2 IM.

4

IMC = Ironman Canada

IMCA = Ironman Coure d’alene (Idaho)
.

5

Did Coeur d’Alene in 2003 and Canada in 2004 and would definitely recommend Canada over Idaho. The races both have similar conditions and support from the locals, but Canada has the intangibles that make it a little different. Being one of the oldest IM races, the one loop course in all three parts of the race, the fact that you only get in the race if you are there to register the day after(or if you have friends there). There are some qualifying races, but not many spots out there. The finisher’s hat and medal are pretty sweet too.

6

There is no question IMC is the best IM event in North America. If you are sticking to the area, and not in IMC then the Grand Columbian (my race) should be considered. I think it offers much more than IMCDA. Much better single loop bike, safer course, better overall athlete support and schwag and not fighting 2,000 other athletes. However, I am doing IMCDA this year since I can’t race in my own event.

7

IM Canada hands down. Awesome venue. Great people. Salty’s restaurant is reason enough. And the course is one of the best around. And the Canadian Peso helps keeps things reasonable cost wise.

9

Anyone done both races that can compare them side by side?

Thanks, Barkley

10

I did IMC in 2002 & 2003 and IMCDA in 2004. I am going back to IMC this year. As others have said, the fan support at IMC is awesome! The scenery along the bike course is incredible almost the entire leg. The SWAG is much, much better at IMC.

The run courses are a toss up. However, psychologically I prefer a 1 loop course (IMC).

IMC also wins out on the swim venue. More room at the start and no rough water from boat traffic/river current. Plus 1 lap.

“It is never too late to fix your childhood!” Tom Robbins

11

I’ve done both. Canada’s the best, but it’s much harder to get in the race. Swim - Canada (one loop, less potential for chop) Bike - Canada (one loop, more scenic, more fan support) Run - Canada (out and back, no loops, more fan support, more scenic) Extras - Canada (better swag, hot tubs at the finish, better expo) Local support - Canada (the whole town is really behind the event and everyone is so nice; everyone definitely wasn’t so nice in CDA)

That said, CDA isn’t a bad race, it’s just hard to measure up to IMC.

Just say no to multiple loop courses.

12

Idaho in June can be opressively hot, but so can Penticton in August, so I doubt the climate should play any role in your decision.