Registration is pretty low right now at 93 people with 3 weeks to go. There is usually a bunch of late registrants. Sounds like Oliver went very smoothly and Outback is back on track.
This is a great race and will be my third time completing it. Anyone have any insight?
Yes, Oliver went well, I think it’s time for the rumour mill to grind to a halt, it does nothing to support Joe moving forward. Sign up and show up, volunteer if at all possible, Outback delivers a great product, and… Joe’s back!
it s a legitimate question. This weekend Wine capital triathlon (outback event) as been cancel. So at this point, only joe knows if he is going ahead with Osoyoos.
Osoyoos is a amazing race and i hope he will still be on.
But i would not say oliver went smoothly. There was a shortage or resources and i hope we can things around if everyone gets behind it.
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I had just heard about the Wine Capital event being cancelled. That is why I was concerned.
It is such a shame that more people don’t do the Desert half. I know the timing is tough. It’s in between the Victoria and Vancover half’s. but this event has so much going for it. Non-congested swim, tougher but stunning bike leg and fair double loop run.It was a solid prep to Ironman Canada before also.
i agree with you, the osoyoos half as one of the best course in canada. Of all, my all time favorite.
And i m hoping to be there and tow the line if the race goes on…
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The biggest knock against Desert Half is that the Axel Merckx Gran Fondo is the same day… taking participants and volunteers.
I’ve done it only once and LOVE the course. I think I’d bring a 25 cog for the climb back over Richter next time though!
I have never done this race (Oliver) but have been there a few times watching the race. I raced it for the first time this year.
I think in years past people have had issues with Joe or “out back” not responding to e-mails, This year I signed up the week of (6 days out) and called and e-mailed Joe.
He replied to my e-mails and called me back right away, he had 10 minutes to talk about the course etc and was prompt and informative.
This year the run course was long by about 1-1.5km depending on your Garmin, I kind of expected this as it was wrong last year and maybe the year before. The other issue was no km markers on the run or a Volunteer at the run turn around, I don’t think you need a timing mat, Just a guy in a vest. Although I looked at the times for the top 50 and my guess is that everyone ran the distance and didn’t cut the turn around, as everyone was… well pretty damn (equally) slow!
Maybe the swim this year was about 100m long? Maybe a true 2km? I don’t know I could have just swam a minute slower than I thought it would.
Outside of the above run issues I was pretty happy with the race organization, I paid the late entry and didn’t have an issue with value for money.
If people have a concern with the desert half, maybe they should call? or PM him on here? Like I say others may have a different experience but he got back to me right away.
Maurice
I guess i am one of the bad guys? I am waiting to make sure it is on before registering. I was going to do the Wine cap race this weekend but was disappointed when i went to register.
See you all on July 7th… I hope.
I am waiting to make sure it is on before registering.
… and that, Ladies and Gentlemen, is why you pay your bills on time and not let City Councils start telling people that they are going to cancel races due to non payments. I am willing to put money on it affecting the Oliver Half turnout, and after a relatively poor show (580 started, capacity a couple of years back was 1,200) I bet Oliver Oly and Sprint went the same way.
As for Osoyoos. I know a lot of people unsurprisingly shy of handing over a little under $300 to an RD with recently publicised money issues for a race who’s sister event recently got cancelled. Only one person is going to bring a bit of faith back to the average punter.
Joe, if you are listening. You need to promote the heck out of Osoyoos or lose that as well. You have some great race potential at all of these events, get with it. The enthusiasm for your races should be spearheaded by you. WAKE UP!
I think all three events need outside input, a fresh perspective, athlete feedback. Plus they need distinct administrative help. I hope Joe gets all of those.