I read in another thread (maybe the Chatt bike course) about the number of train crossings. That got me to thinking, has there ever been an instance where an Ironman bike leg was actually interrupted by a train?
Not an Ironman, but the Des Moines Marathon was stopped by a train a few years ago. The train stopped the race less than a mile from the finish, the leader and the second place guy had to sprint it out…cant remember what happened.
I’m pretty sure that Heather Wurtele actually got stopped at a train crossing while leading IMCDA last year (2013). She STILL broke the course record.
This happened at Paris Roubaix about 10 years ago. Interesting thing about it was that the breakaway leaders missed the train,and the lead chase group got caught. Well several riders after the train passed and before the tracks were clear/opened went around/under the bariers (several riders waited). Those that went through the crossing before it was official cleared were DQ’d.
I’ve seen people in multisport events have to stop for COWS.
There was at least one marathon in this decade where the two leaders had to stop for a train.
Beach2Battleship 2011
I spent 60-90" with ~50 others waiting on a train to clear the run course.
I heard it happened to some of the later riders at IMTX the first year.
I’m pretty sure that Heather Wurtele actually got stopped at a train crossing while leading IMCDA last year (2013). She STILL broke the course record.
wow. I didn’t even think that their might be a set of tracks to cross at that venue (I’m thinking of going). But, with a long course it stands to reason that sooner or later you’re gonna see train tracks.
Brad Kerns (former RD for Auburn Worlds Toughest) got asked about trains stopping the race one year, and said “it’s a Sunday, so I doubt there will be any trains today, but, if you get stopped by a train let me know and I’ll subtract that time from your finish” I don’t think he’s ever had to do that.
I seem to remember being one of the last riders over tracks before a train in the 1991 or 1992 Gulf Coast tri in Panama City. I didn’t see another person behind me for an hour.
The real hazard of a rail crossing,is dodging all the water bottles on the opposite side.
My first HIM I was stopped at a train. It was super annoying because I was working my way up the field and the top 5 made it across then I was stopped for like 3 minutes. I was not a happy camper!
IM Wisconsin has a set of tracks by Cross Plains that have mats on both sides to catch the time sitting for a train if it happens. They said they would then subtract the time sitting for anyone stuck waiting for a train. They specifically mentioned it at the athlete meeting one of the years I did the race. Of course that was the first couple years and maybe they have worked things out with the RR since. I also heard rumors of some athletes getting stopped by a farmer moving his cows across the road at IM Wisconsin (just a rumor, did not actually witness though…).
There is a local half iron that has train tracks also. I am helping out with directing the bike course this year. I get to try and work the details out with the RR so that there will not be a train during the race. First year there was a couple athletes that got stopped, second year the RR guy was able to work with the race for the time and keep it open. Hopefully we can work out the same deal this year. My backup is a volunteer with a stop watch and clipboard to capture time that any athletes are stopped…
A small event near me has a RR crossing. They have a volunteer to keep track of how much time is lost. I have always made it without having to stop. I wonder if it is an advantage to get a break while waiting for the train.
If the clock stopped, I would think a break would be a nice advantage!
Probably some, but I think it would also take you off your game. You could lose sight of people that you were chasing and have people seemingly catch up to you. Once I get started running I really don’t want to stop.
If the clock stopped, I would think a break would be a nice advantage!
If you knew ahead of time that you would get the rest, pretty big advantage. Otherwise, maybe not worth having to get up to speed again!
I know some bigger races try to coordinate with the train companies but it isn’t always possible. Or the train company says “yeah sure” then forgets sometimes too. heh