Looking through past race results, from 2007 to 2015, the winner was around 8:30 or less. In 2016 and 2017, it was more like 9:30. Age group results seem similarly slower in 16/17.
Guessing this is mainly due to the course changes I’ve heard about. Anybody know which of the two courses they’re using for the race next month? Thanks!
I don’t think it was a Pro race in 2016 and 2017, that might be why the times are slower. 2015 was insanely hot, so there should be some slower times there too.
Wasn’t it well over 100 degrees last time they had the race in 2017? I’m sure that had something to do with it
I also believe the very large hill on the run course that you ran up and over (so 4 sizeable hills) is no longer part of the course
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Race was age group only in 2016 and 2017, the race was also held at the end of August as opposed to the end of June. Temps in 2017 hit 91 on the run. 2016 the high was 84.
The infamous 2015 race (which was held at the end of June and did have a pro field) which hit 105 if I recall correctly.
They will use the same 2 loop bike course that has been used since 2013. They will be using the same 3 loop run course that has been used since 2016.
C’mon Dave, it was a bump not a hill. 
If someone was held up that was a hill–they only need to go do that first hill on the St. George course once they hit the bike path turning away from the Bluff intersection.
As a local, I’d tell you it wasn’t the course changes. The responses about the lack of pro field are correct,and the reason for the differences. I would say the current course is probably the easiest compared to the previous.
Thanks everyone for the responses.
What’s the wind normally like for the bike?
Generally calm. But if it’s not, it’s a b!+ch. when it blows race weekend, it tends to be a headwind on the way ‘out’ the second/long out and back portion (south of town on US 95, up the Mica Grade towards Worley).
By generally, I mean 6 of the 7 times I’ve been around for the race (70.3 included) on the current course
What’s your advice on whether to use a disc wheel or not on this course? I run a Zipp 808 in the front, and I have the matching rear. But I have a HED disc that I have done 8 races in, including Ironman MT & FL in 2019. I am considering the 808 over disc for the rear because it’s lighter for the climbs and should be more safe if it’s windy on the descents. CdA has smaller lanes for the descents with cones and guard rails rather close (I did CdA in 14). Mont Tremblant had bigger lanes and I felt safe bombing those descents. Thanks
I am considering the 808 over disc for the rear because it’s lighter for the climbs and should be more safe if it’s windy on the descents.
I’ve done the half once and full once with 808 front and back and the half once with Hed Jet 6 front and Hed Disc rear. I would 100% use a disc in the rear.
I despite the ~6k feet of elevation gain the disc is still going to be faster. In addition having the disc on the rear is going to make the bike more stable especially if the winds pick up at the turnaround on 95 like they sometimes do.
I agree w/ Chemist (is that allowed on ST?). I’d go disc if I still had one. I’ll be running dual 808-type since that’s what I have
Thanks to both for the feedback, I will stick to my initial plan and use the disc.
Nate