How many people compete in this race does anyone have an estimate? Last IM I did was Tulsa and there was no one there. Kind of ruined the atmosphere and race experience. And, that hurts my soul to say since I lived in Tulsa for 30 years.
I raced Texas this year. Looks like there were 2800 finishers and from memory over 3000 starters.
Wouldn’t recommend the race, but I do understand it’s appeal. I thought it was far too crowded, especially on the bike. Big draft packs, really difficult to get away from them. The bike course was also very hazardous with these large gaps in the road surface (IN THE LANE WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BIKE IN). I have never seen that many crashes in the race. Even at the finish line, it seemed like 1/10 people have road rash and ripped kits.
1 Like
I agree with Tyler’s comment, Texas is really (over)crowded, one of the busiest bike courses I have ever done. I didn’t enjoy the whole thing very much, it was like six flags on a sunny Saturday.
But to each their own. I was also in Tulsa couple of years ago (when they changed the swim course the morning of due to strong winds, fun times!), and I really liked the atmosphere of a “small” race. There must have been less than 800 finishers, and the atmosphere on course was super relaxed, great camaraderie. Easy then to fully enjoy this very honest course, too bad it’s discontinued.
The race is usually about 2500-2800 that go into the water. The run course is great and has a fun, supportive atmosphere.
Yeah, too bad the bike is a draft fest on a boring tollway.