I am playing with the idea of going to a “big” olympic distance race this coming season, never been to one of the truly huge races.
im sure that lots of people here have done this race,
how is it? is it fast? cheap hotels? close enough to airport?
I have never been to memphis!!!
thanks!!!
I am playing with the idea of going to a “big” olympic distance race this coming season, never been to one of the truly huge races.
im sure that lots of people here have done this race,
how is it? is it fast? cheap hotels? close enough to airport?
I have never been to memphis!!!
thanks!!!
Great race time trial start. 34 miles from the memphia airport its in millington,tn
Not sure about hotels there are a few chain(super 8,hampton inn) in or near millington closer to the race just go to race web site click travel.
It was my first triathlon in 1986 and I’ve done it every year since 24 in a row.
Elvis always makes an appearance runs the last finisher in.
Can be warm even hot in may but 2009 happened to be quite chilly.
This past year they started the pros I think at 10:30 after age groupers were pretty much finished.
Moderate hills nothing steep or long bikes actually a tad short… Pre 9/11 course ran through naval base on bike out and back and was fast but since 9/11 we couldn’t ride through the base
anymore so it makes a big circle with a number of turns to go around the base. Run is hilly.
Sometimes wetsuits sometimes not probably half and half every other year.
Great race though I think 27 or 28 years in the running.
Barbq and Beer post race with live music.
thanks for the info, Im going to look into it more, see what the travel will cost.
It has the “big olympic distance” feel. The guy who does announcing has great personality and TN twang. Fast times there although I think because swim and bike are a little short. Very chill post race with plenty of beer/barbecue.
They have a Saturday MB Tri and give good prize money (15 deep) for fastest combo of sat and sunday times.
I wouldn’t get too excited about the city of Memphis except Sun Records / Graceland.
Whatever you do, DO NOT go to Beale Street until after the race. Don’t go Friday night.
Great race, especially if you live up north and want to get a jump on some really nice weather. ''90 was my first and it was my ‘shock and awe’ tri experience on two levels: 1. the size and feel of the race 2. the insane quality of athletes. There are some FAST mofos ripping that loop so get ready to be humbled unless you are a well known stud;)
I did it once in 2005. I drove 10 hours to get there and felt the race was not at all worth that effort. Really boring course in my opinion. Lodging was far from the site. Memphis was a bust - I expected more.
You want to fly to a good oly? Do Alcatraz.
Great race! One of my favorites and almost a guaranteed PR due to slightly short swim and bike. Run is a bit tougher than most expect.
Atmosphere is fabulous with groups from all over. BBQ and beer are a very nice touch…last year they emptied the kegs and there was a moment of panic until they brought in cases of emergency rations.
We always stay at the Plantation Oaks in Millington. Friendly, clean and not too pricey. Quick drive to the race.
Last year we finally tried the Pig 'n Whistle BBQ and were pleasantly surprised…worth a visit.
I try to do MIM every other year or so…if only to see how far I’ve slid. Do it!
G
ok ok, so lots of good things, one guy diidnt like it. this is encouraging.
as for alcstraz…can you say expensive???
Another Oly to consider CapTexTri in down town Austin
Large race alot of fast folks and party atmosphere
Last year they had a ITU race after the elite AG race
Plenty of hotels and I think fairly easy access to airport
.
ok awesome, keep the suggestions coming!!!
If you do it, be sure to visit Rendevouz for some ribs.
I went to memphis in may once…partied my ass off on bealle street and never made it to the race. Next time I will wait til after the race. Great weekend.
-Adam
I live in the Memphis area and MIM this past spring was my first triathlon (and only one so far…stupid injuries). I had a blast. As a first timer, I really like that they sent each person off on the swim 2 seconds apart instead of all at once. It was super windy this year and it was really cold waiting to get in the water but the water itself was warm (it was border-line wetsuit legal). The swim was one 1 huge loop. The bike was a bit circuitous and winds its way through a very rural area (think lots of farms and open fields where the wind can have its way with you). The ride was pretty flat overall. As previously mentioned the run is an out and back but it is surprisingly hilly. The turnaround is especially annoying because it ends at the top of a hill. It was really nice to be able to watch the pro’s as well (those flying dismounts are amazing). Anyhow (without anything to compare it to) I thought it was a very well executed event. There aren’t lots of surprises and as mentioned there are probably much more scenic events but to me it had the feel of a mature event and I am looking forward to participating again this year.
I have done Memphis 3 times, and it is probably my favorite Oly. As someone else mentioned, slightly short bike, flat but with a number of turns. The run is harder than you expect, but still not hard. Fast course, great finish line party with plenty of BBQ and beer trucks. Nice atmosphere hanging by the lake post race and eating/drinking. Memphis as a city is the south’s Detroit though, quickly going downhill. I think they have metal detectors just to get on Beale Street now. Some of the stories I have heard…
Lots of chain hotels in Millington, TN., site of the race. You can ride your bike to site on race morning. Also, the race is in a park and it is permitted to pitch a tent and camp. Lots of people do this. Great post race party, too! Excellent southern hospitality and cool awards. Memphis In May Festival spotlights a different country each year, and the tri follows with shirts that are based on that country. Very cool designs! TT start is the way to go. Highly recommend race !!!