I am looking to do my first IM 70.3 and was initially looking to do the Kansas race, but registration still hasn’t opened (I’ve heard some rumors of uncertainty that the race will be in Lawrence again) any way I was wondering if anyone has done the Lake Stevens IM. Would Lake Stevens be a good race for my first IM 70.3? I am from MN so I have thought about Racine too, but haven’t heard the greatest things about Racine. Thanks for your input!
I did the Lake Stevens 70.3 this year. Lake swim, but no pre-race day swimming allowed due to boat traffic. There is a cable in the water to follow for the entire swim. The water was wetsuit legal but not by much. I wish I had used a sleeveless instead of full. The bike is a single loop and really hilly (especially the latter half), but I’m from Florida so there’s that. I used a compact crank and 11-28 which really helped. The run is flat to rolling. Lots of crowd support. I thought the race was well organized and enjoyable. The only downside to Lake Stevens in my mind is that all the hotels are about 20 mins away in Everrett. Race day parking was at the local High School about a mile away with bus transport to the race site but none back. The city sold parking passes at packet pick-up for $20 per car to various lots around T1/T2. I popped for the $20 and was a block away … a gouge, but worth the money.
I did the Lake Stevens 70.3 this year. Lake swim, but no pre-race day swimming allowed due to boat traffic. There is a cable in the water to follow for the entire swim. The water was wetsuit legal but not by much. I wish I had used a sleeveless instead of full. The bike is a single loop and really hilly (especially the latter half), but I’m from Florida so there’s that. I used a compact crank and 11-28 which really helped. The run is flat to rolling. Lots of crowd support. I thought the race was well organized and enjoyable. The only downside to Lake Stevens in my mind is that all the hotels are about 20 mins away in Everrett. Race day parking was at the local High School about a mile away with bus transport to the race site but none back. The city sold parking passes at packet pick-up for $20 per car to various lots around T1/T2. I popped for the $20 and was a block away … a gouge, but worth the money.
+1. The $20 is totally worth it for the parking. I did this race in August, and we stayed 20 minutes away in Everett as well. Race day morning traffic was a breeze compared to Austin 70.3 last year. Bike was really tough, some really sharp corners after steep descents, but it’s a nice course. The run is really nice, 2 loops with constant crowd support. I was able to see my wife coming out of the swim, 1x mid-way through the bike, and 6x on the run. I would definitely recommend!
I live 30 min away so this is a home race for me. Great race. Bike hilly with some steep, short hills. It is constantly rolling. I love the bike course, but if it is flat where you live, then it will be very hard.
Run is two loops and some small rollers, nothing challenging.
Well run race. Main negative is noted above about no close hotels.
Have any of you done Calgary, that’s another race I was looking at. Thanks for all the great input.
Or you can do Honu and hang out in Hawaii for a few days after the race.
I did Lake Stevens for the first time this year. Race was well run with great support on the run especially. Its nice that you go through the main “town” several times where there are a lot of spectators. Bike is hilly for sure and it is tough to get into a rhythm. Everett has several good hotels and if you are travelling with family, has a great childrens museum. The swim is super easy as far as swims go since it is pretty much an out and back. You were able to practice swim at North Cove park this year as well. I just parked at the high school and took the shuttle down in the morning. Rode my bike back after the race. it was very easy.