Hey all,
Firstly, I was curious as to when this race typically opens. I’m a bit surprised that it still has tbd for race date and registration.
Also, looking to get thoughts on the course/vibe/etc. It’s on the list either this year or next depending on schedule. So far both Canadian races I’ve done have been fantastic (whistler/victoria).
Thanks!
Ask away - I’ve done the race every year they’ve held it. I lived on the run course for 20 years and train on the bike course. If you need reference points, I’ve done Penticton/Whistler/Arizona/Texas as well.
Raf Lopez has done some great write ups to start:
http://www.shutuplegs.org/around-town-calgary-70-3/
http://www.shutuplegs.org/new-calgary-70-3-bike-course/
My takes:
The Swim venue has changed twice since inception in 2009. It was a gong show this year due to a last minute course change, but the RD has promised to correct it going forward. Personally I didn’t find it all that bad, despite swimming 2200 meters.
The newer bike course is great. There is little traffic, very few turns and the return trip is downhill and (usually) with the wind at your back. Only 2 or 3 real climbs and most of the 45k out is unnoticeably uphill. It’s also 87km according to my Garmin.
The run is a out and back. The only ‘difficult’ section is the drop into a natural reserve where the heat and humidity will get you along with NO aid stations for the section. The climbs out are steep but short - not overly difficult and an aid station is at the top of them.
While it might not be a PR race, it’s fun and pretty competitive. Beer gardens, food trucks and family activities are available post race.
The only downside, logistics can be troublesome - but the organizers do have scheduled buses to each venue. I get dropped off.
Registration usually occurs December 1st. No idea why.
It was a great race.
Great course. Great place to go on vacation in summer.
Thanks for the info! I’m putting it on the calendar.
As for PR, I don’t really sign up for races for that reason, more about having a great race all around. My favorites have never been the ‘faster’ courses, but the more scenic/interesting ones; i.e. Whistler/Tahoe/CdA/Pac Crest//etc.
However, if I do a course again…you better believe I’m trying to beat my previous time!
Thanks again for the feedback.
Anytime!
Unfortunately, the scenery isn’t as spectacular as Whistler - but there also won’t be that 30k climb into T2.
You’ll be surprised how quickly you start getting into the foothills from the prairies. If its a clear day, mountains will be on the horizon. The swim is very clean, but I would recommend you practice a T1 navigation when you drop off your bike. Don’t catch a toe on a curb.
The run is great around the reservoir, but I have never managed to get the breeze off it. And like whistler, I have come across a bear on the course. Thankfully, I was able to outrun grandma on her bike.
My only caution on the run is that the aid stations seem a little far apart. There are 4, which you cross twice (rowing club, sailing club and each end of the weaslehead swamp). Even after 7 attempts, I’ve hit a low point 12-13k in after the turn around or 18-19k on the final stretch.
I will second IronLiam’s description of Calgary 70.3 having volunteered and raced there. His description is very accurate.
The race registration opening delay is usually a function of the swim venue being finalized. It has been in a relative state of flux since 2013 when the flooding here caused a move from the old Ghost Dam location to a community lake in the southeast part of the city. Then in 2014 it moved to a different community lake. It was at that same lake in 2015, but the race took place days after a drowning death in the lake which caused some of the swim course problems, although I think many of those problems existed in 2014 - they were just exacerbated by the fact that there was no practice swim the day before owing to the lake closure due to the drowning death.
The community lake associations guard their access very jealously and I suspect the organizers get a good deal of push back on traffic and other issues from the community. That makes every year a negotiation. They can’t finalize road access, police needs and the like until the swim gets finalized. I suspect they don’t open registration until all of those details are in place.
If you are gung ho for an Alberta half distance race, also consider Great White North. It’s a longstanding local race in Edmonton that I have several friends that have raced and all speak highly of. Also, there is the Chinook Triathlon Festival out of Sylvan Lake.
Thanks all! I’m sold. Sounds like a great one.
If you need any other tips on stuff around town (I assume you’re coming from out of town) drop me a note!
Ironman Calgary organizers replied to me on twitter about this.
Registration will likely open 1 December and the race will likely be 24 July.
It’s a good (if unspectacular) race. We like it because its local. Hope they sort out the swim issues out and the transportation needs some refining (two separate transitions).
If they hold it in Auburn Lake again, the swim will be lovely.
See you there!