I am considering the Miamiman Half Ironman as a late season race and was hoping that few folks here raced in the inagual race last year. Specifically, organization, course detail, aid stations, etc.? You guys know the drill, any information would be much appreciated.
uh…i watched it. does that count? they wanted to kick me out of the park b/c i brought a dog, but i managed to sneak her in.
i can’t tell you much b/c i didn’t race it. i can tell you that the original date last year was canceled b/c of a hurricane, so they kind of had to scramble, reorganize, and move things back a month or so. To me, as an observer, the whole thing seemed kind of sparse. Few spectators. Not much energy in the air… the park is south of miami - closer to homestead, really. it’s kind of in the middle of nothing. nothing very interesting anyway. you wouldn’t be seeing the beach!
they put on another miamiman in may or june of this year (can’t remember which), so they should have things running pretty smoothly by now. as you noted, last nov. was the first time for this race.
it was really hot last year and probably will be again this year. you won’t need a wetsuit. the swim is in a fairly small lake. i wasn’t there for the swim part, but i think the HIM swim portion was a “swim, get out, run around, get back in, and swim another loop” kind of thing. the bike is very flat and through rural areas. the run is through the park and the metrozoo and is very flat as well.
i know a lot of people who had fast times. and i know a lot of people who raced last year are signing up again. i did hear someone complain that they thought it was a boring course despite running through the zoo. oh, and the t-shirts were UGLY.
i don’t know what you are specifically looking for in a race. i’m guessing you want a 1/2 at that particular time of year? if you want a cool “miami” destination race, there is a brand new “Escape to Miami” race in september (www.trimiami.com). the distances are weird, but there’s basically a sprint and OLY distance.
I’m doing the Great Florida Challenge on October 22 in Clermont. I’m doing the 1/2 and there’s also a full. This is supposed to be a great race with good aid stations, challenging course, good organization, etc. You may want to check out www.sommersports.com.
I hope some other people have feedback b/c as an observer, it’s hard to say what a race is like. to me, i wasn’t excited enough about it to sign up this year. it’s flat. and it’s warm.
Thanks for the info. I am also considering the GFT half but the Miamiman fits better in my training schedule, work schedule, etc.
I think you should get more opinions than just mine! Anyone else out there…?
Great race, did it last year. Highly recommended.
Ciao,
Felipe,
You’re truely too modest (“did it last year”). Afterall, you won the event. Great job!!!
I also participated in the Miamiman last November. I agree completely!!! Great race, organizers care about the athletes, very basic course (flat!!!) and wonderful volunteers.
I also participated in this year’s June 1/2 iron distance race (Iron Ape). There were a few minor changes from last November (swim and run course), but for even the better!!!
A bit of race info. : The November race (Miamiman) will likely be “wetsuit legal”. June’s race (Iron Ape) saw the water temp. about 82’ F. Same venue for both races, yet the climatic conditions made them completely different (in regards to race tactics).
Regards,
Jeff
Ive done both, the swim course is cool, the bike course is booooooooooooring and the run is what makes up for the whole race for me, running through the zoo was cool. there wasnt enough people racing so it made it feel as though you were racing by yourself, at least for slow folks like myself, HA.
Anyway, not too bad, I just wished more people were participating. The volunteers WERE GREAT, good aid stations and great selections at each station as well.
Just my humble 2 cents worth.
Thanks for the info.
I did it last year. Overall the race was great and I will sign up again this year. Here is the good and bad:
Good:
Race organisation is willing to listen to participants
Running through the zoo is a entertaining
Great awards & prices
Lake swim, wetsuits allowed
Aid stations are basic water + G2O
Bad:
Short 2 loop swim
Short bike course
still hot & humid in november (bad for some)
run course needs better marking