IMHO, as a 2x IM Louisville finisher & also an IMMD finisher, Louisville is by far the better race!
That’s Ironman Louisville to you.
First, it’s not flooding. We’re actually in a drought the last couple months.
Second, last year was the only time the swim had to be altered.
Third, yes there is a little bit of current behind Towhead Island. It’s less than the main channel because it’s shallow back there.
Finally, the biggest reason for the time trial start is the entry. There’s no spot that you can walk/run/wade into the water there, not that anyone would WANT to touch bottom in the Ohio.
That’s Ironman Louisville to you.
First, it’s not flooding. We’re actually in a drought the last couple months.
Second, last year was the only time the swim had to be altered.
Third, yes there is a little bit of current behind Towhead Island. It’s less than the main channel because it’s shallow back there.
Finally, the biggest reason for the time trial start is the entry. There’s no spot that you can walk/run/wade into the water there, not that anyone would WANT to touch bottom in the Ohio.
I’d say that the biggest reason for the time trial is the fact that, although lighter than in the river itself, there is still a current in the channel and people would have to expend a significant amount of energy to stay in place for the time it would take to get everyone in the water off the docks for a mass start. There have been years where the kayakers and the pros had problems staying in place.
**Second, last year was the only time the swim had to be altered. **
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False. The swim was altered the first year, 2007. Swim start location, swim course design, and swim start procedure all had to be revamped in the days leading up to race day due to strong current in the Ohio River.
Best pro-tip I received for the IMLOU swim: put a small bottle of mouthwash in your T1 bag. The fuel coming off the boat just before the swim exit leaves quite a wicked taste in your mouth.