I had a previous thread about events in NC, and I really appreciate all the responses. I have it narrowed down to two, the Ironman Raleigh or Lake Logan 70.3. This will be my first ever triathlon, big price difference difference between the two of them. I have family near both events and the drive time is about the same from my location. I have to admit there is the draw of one being label Ironman, just don’t know if it’s worth the money. The choosing the right event is stressing me just about as much as training for it, maybe more. Need help.
I would seriously consider an Olympic or Spring race before a HIM or IM.
You should really relax. It’s not that big of a deal. Either way, you will enjoy yourself and learn more about yourself after the finish line’s been crossed. That’s the important part anyway.
I thought about a shorter event. I originally wanted to do a 140.6 but I don’t have the time to train for that distance, so I decided on a 70.3 event.
I have done both. They are both great. I live near Raleigh and really enjoyed riding a familiar course and liked the point to point format. It is super cool to ride from Jordan Lake to downtown Raleigh with pretty good crowd support along the way. Being an Ironman is it is more of an ‘event’ with all the bells and whistles- ie big expo, massive finishing shoot, tons of people, huge transitions, deafening music and announcer, etc. Lake Logan is more low key, but wow what an incredible swim venue and bike course. Really couldn’t ask for more. Both races have 2x loops. Raleigh is around downtown area which i found boring. LL was up, down, up, and down on out back road. I didn’t find it that bad and having a downhill run to the finish was good. Overall, Lake Logan was best for me. I still dream about the crystal clear lake swim and scenic bike course. You can’t go bad either way; it is more of a personal choice.
I have spectated at Raleigh and raced Lake Logan last year. Agree with Trick’s comparison of the two. Another obvious point is the timing, Lake Logan is in early August and Raleigh late May. Raleigh would likely be hotter since Lake Logan is at a higher Elevation outside of Asheville. Lake Logan is guaranteed to be a wetsuit swim with the spring fed lake and Raleigh could go either way.
I would give the nod to Logan but prefer smaller low key races.
Best,
GS
I’m leaning toward Lake Logan. It would give me more time to train and it’s a lot cheaper.
lake logan is a beautiful venue
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Lake logan isn’t a 70.3, the course is short. Great race though…completely different vibe than Raleigh. Personally, for your first…I would do Raleigh. It is a bigger race and has the Ironman Circus factor which would make for a memorable first triathlon. Both are great races though and yes….lake logan is far less expensive.
lake logan will be a true 70.3 this year. they found the extra bike miles.
Heard nothing but good things about Lake Logan. It will be my first 70.3 as well.
Lake logan isn’t a 70.3, the course is short. Great race though…completely different vibe than Raleigh. Personally, for your first…I would do Raleigh. It is a bigger race and has the Ironman Circus factor which would make for a memorable first triathlon. Both are great races though and yes….lake logan is far less expensive.
Not anymore. They found the missing four miles on the bike. Last time the run was a little short, but I think they’ll figure that out too. Last year being the inaugural race it went very well inspite of that.
I had a previous thread about events in NC, and I really appreciate all the responses. I have it narrowed down to two, the Ironman Raleigh or Lake Logan 70.3. This will be my first ever triathlon, big price difference difference between the two of them. I have family near both events and the drive time is about the same from my location. I have to admit there is the draw of one being label Ironman, just don’t know if it’s worth the money. The choosing the right event is stressing me just about as much as training for it, maybe more. Need help.
I did the logan half last year, and the oly a few times. Fantastic race. I wouldn’t even consider doing a branded race over logan. It’s dirt cheap in comparison. And the venue is the best I’ve ever been to. The scenery on the run and bike are beautiful. The swim is the most beautiful I’ve ever done. I don’t know if you’ve done a branded half but having done both a full and half that are branded its just not the same in my opinion. I’m not trying to get into a debate on the “are you an ironman if you do a nonbranded race” but it’s not like you’d be saying that either way with a half.
So basically it’s a no brainer for me. Logan all the way. And someone mentioned it being short. Last year it was, it was a 52 mile bike. But they found a 4 mile loop to make it the correct distance.
How steel are the climbs (%grade)? Trying to make a cassette size choice. Thanks!!