Remember a few years ago when the finish for the Ford Ironman 70.3 Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon was on the beach? That was killer- the perfect finish to a really great event. It looks like, based on the map in the event guide, they have gone back to the beach finish line! If I am right about this- it’s killer!
You guys know about this? Am I reading this map right?
You mean this? Can’t comment as this is my first Steelhead . . . and HIM for that matter. I hope there is no sand involved.
Yes, that depicts a finish chute parallel to the water as opposed to perpendicular like last year. The beach finish is really nice. You only run about 30 steps on sand. By then, you’re celebrating anyway (hopefully).
If you look at the swim map, it shows the finish on some sort of pavement behind the “beach house” not in the sand.
The only question I have is if the paved walkway at the end extends all the way to Grand Ave. Maybe there is a road after the walkway that extends to Grand. Otherwise from Grand Ave to the finish line is beach for a long section.
Looking at Google Maps satellite view, it looks like Grand pavement ends and there is a trail to the beach and the beach then continues to the bathhouse. Who knows how old that image is though.
This is not good news for me, not a sand runner by any means.
Anyone been in that area recently know if that area is paved?
looks like finish is in same spot, we are just approaching it from a different angle. Looks like a treeline though so maybe some shade? For spectators that’s cool! (yuk yuk)
I seem to remember a little paving block pathway 'round front of the beach house. You sort of run back into the park, up to the beach house, duck around back of it on the little paving stone walkway and boom- the Riviera of Michigan- it’s really beautiful! I love races that have you run near the beach. I can’t think of another that has you finish on the beach. Super cool.
It will be very scenic, but my wife is bummed. Last year her and her parents found a spot along the finish where they could also see me in transition and leaving transition. This year they will have to move to do that.
looks like there is a paved area just before the sand that they maybe using.
I’m just looking forward to walking straight into the water after the finish. It’s going to be a hot day…
If this is the same last 1/4 mile as firecracker this year (and it looks like it is), there is a little section of deep sand right before the finish. Enjoy.
I’m good with that. Darn near the whole run at Superfrog Half is in the sand…
looks like there is a paved area just before the sand that they maybe using.
that looks just south of finish. north doesn’t look paved.
and yeah, maybe I just jump straight into the water and let them fish me out with my medal?