I have raced for 25 years…everywhere…and the race organization, race venue and race course at this event is absolutely first class.
The sprint race Saturday…my fifth go at this race…was dealt a rough hand with the weather, with drizzle and the wind whipping up a chop in Green Bay for a large field, many of whom were first timers. RD Sean Ryan dealt with it quickly, keeping a swim, but rightfully shortening and bringing the course into shore. Still daunting for some, but safer and still a “tri”. The rest of the day went off well for the racers. First time I didn’t podium, but I am now in the middle of a fast 50-54 AG, and the guys that won were just GOOD.
Weather cleared Saturday afternoon and today’s (Sunday’s) weather was exceptional. My wife and I got out early and ran the half marathon course, finishing up as the HIM was set to start. Beautiful weather, energized crowd, just a great scene.
The legs were sore from Saturday and a couple of tough climbs on that run course, but it was terrific to see a tremendously well run race set a great place.
I would rank this as one of the best races in the United States. Not kidding. It is that good.
Good to hear. Sean Ryan is my high school classmate and good friend. He is a top notch guy and one hell of an RD. My firm was a major sponsor at the event as well, so, I hope everyone had a good time. It is a great race. I had to scrub due to surgery, but, was happy to see such a good turnout.
Thanks to your firm for being a sponsor…and you couldn’t find a better event to be associated with. We have driven 5.5 hours north these last few years because it is so well done.
My experience at the Door County race echo Mark’s. I thought the race (I did the Half) was exceedingly well run, and overall the course is very good. Pre-race packet pickup took a total of ~2 minutes (and I got the shirt size requested), and timing chip pick-up and body marking race morning about the same. Swim course was spot-on in terms of distance (from my estimate), as were the bike and run courses. Loved the “late” 8:00am start time!
My only gripe: the bike transition racks were numbered way too close (it was physically impossible to rack 3 bikes in a row by their handlebars).
Highly recommend all of the frustrated Racine racers reward your families next year with a mini-vacation to Door County!
Shhhh…don’t tell anyone! The last thing we want is for this race to become overwhelmed with more people!! I agree with all your comments, I did the half Sunday, and have done the other distances all years prior. Exceptionally well done. I’ve done some of Sean’s other races, Green Bay marathon, Fall 50(50 mile relay, or solo, run along the Bay side of the penninsula), and they are equally well done. I’d especially recommend the Fall 50. Great fall colors at that time of year. Sean really knows what he’s doing.
I’ll echo the opinions that this is a good event. Plenty of mile markers, accurately set, good post race festivities, challenging run with two nasty climbs, etc. But like all things it isn’t perfect either. I did see a couple of drafting packs. Yes - it can be difficult to keep spacing in the MOP, but I recall a guy I had passed zoom by me go back by me from the middle back of a group of about 15 riders. I do not think I saw any penalties handed out, nor any applied to anyone on the results page. But whatever. I just need to learn to go faster on the bike! Powercranks??? Also, they ran out of water at the second and third bottle exchange. Same thing as last year. I hate Gatorade so I went dry the last 15 miles…
But I do really recommend this event. Overall it is well run and I like the fact that the profits go to local charities, rather than someone’s pocket. If you are looking for another good event with some opening left, try out the Dairyland Dare in SW Wisco coming up in about 3 weeks…
I’ve been lurking ST for some time now but racing the Door County half has made me sign up and post.
This is the best race I have ever done.
The swim was great. Real open water swimming. No walking. Dozens of lifeguards. The bike was nice. Beautiful scenery. I didn’t see any packs, but I went off in the 3rd wave of the day. The run has two hills that break up the course. The distances all checked out on my Garmin.
Sign up for this race early next year as I feel it will sell out fast.
I agree with all your comments, I did the half Sunday, and have done the other distances all years prior. Exceptionally well done. I’ve done some of Sean’s other races, Green Bay marathon, Fall 50(50 mile relay, or solo, run along the Bay side of the penninsula), and they are equally well done. I’d especially recommend the Fall 50. Great fall colors at that time of year. Sean really knows what he’s doing.