All, question regarding potentially having T1 and T2 transition areas in different locations. In this scenario if we were to have a separate area for T2 it would allow for a downtown (party) finish versus if we were to keep everything at T1 we would need to finish in a more rural lake area. Awards and everything else would be hosted in downtown area but that adds to the logistics. What are your thoughts in regards to having T1 and T2 being separated out?
It’s fine. I have done multiple races that way. Assume you transport the T1 gear up to the T2 area by the end of the race. If I had to shuttle back to T1 to retrieve my stuff later, I probably wouldn’t love it.
For me, then events with separate transitions seem a lot more hassle in advance, and worry me more, but then on the day work fine. However, that’s with the caveat of being able (needing to) do bag drops the day before. Having separate transitions I need to go to on race day morning would be a major no-no for me (unless they were 10mins walk between - by sounds of things not what you are talking about here.
Personally I have zero issue at all with awards being away from finish. Actually that’s fairly normal for me, and for a half is perfect as you get chance to go home, get a shower and some food then head back in for the post event.
IM Atlantic City has a shared T1/T2 but the finish line is down basically in the boardwalk. You could do something like that possibly as well. They then had busses going from the finish back and forth to transition. They did transport post race bags to the finish so people could change or get whatever they put in bags.
I personally hate the idea of a split transition and the finish line being away from the start/transition area did not piss me off at all. And if your toying with the idea of a split transition you already know the amount of logistics it comes with vs it all being in the same area. This might be a happy medium that allows the ease of 1 transition area but a nicer finish area.
I’ve done the Kerrville triathlon in Texas, which has separate T1 and T2. It worked fine but it’s extra work at the beginning, both for athletes and the event. However, as you mentioned, it allowed the finish to be in a nice area, which for Kerrville was right next to their river. You could jump in after the race and cool off / hang out. The swag even included inflatable tubes just for this purpose.
Here’s a link to their transition procedure, in case this helps you:
IM Cozumel was my best separate transition race in 20 plus years.
They bring your morning clothes, swim and bike bag to the finish, have numbered racks set up and all bags hanging with your bike.
Having to go back to T1 to get your bike - as IM California will be is a PITA (even if it’s only a mile away)
Barrelman has a split transition. One in Welland next to the swim exit and one in Niagara Falls, where there’s also a BBQ after. They manage the logistics well. When I did it, I didn’t feel the need to pay T2 a visit: they had maps and photos and it was well organized.
IM Oceanside has a compromise. The finish is in a different location than T1/T2.
Don’t like split transitions. It just adds to the stress and faff (assuming transition set ups are the day before). If on the morning… total PITA stress fest (how to maximise a chance of a heart attack in the swim - add even more stress in the morning).
But I realise sometimes they are necessary to get to route you want or even what has to be done to make the race even viable.
did two transition areas at lubbock 70.3 last year.
its ok, but if i had my rathers i would much rather never do it again. having only 1 transition area simplifies things so much for racers and the people putting the race on.
logistically as a racer it wasnt terrible, but i could imagine as a race coordinator it would be a freaking nightmare.
we had to be bussed to T1 for the swim / bike, we had multiple bags we had to sort things in for carrying from T1 to T2 by volunteers (thank god for volunteers but we can all be honest and say that sometimes they do their best in spite of themselves). night of the race one of the worst storms ive seen in i dont know how long blew in which meant stuff was scattered everywhere at both transition areas… ya. no thanks.
All, question regarding potentially having T1 and T2 transition areas in different locations. In this scenario if we were to have a separate area for T2 it would allow for a downtown (party) finish versus if we were to keep everything at T1 we would need to finish in a more rural lake area. Awards and everything else would be hosted in downtown area but that adds to the logistics. What are your thoughts in regards to having T1 and T2 being separated out?
It’s difficult to really know what would work best for your race without really knowing the race and venue. What might be the best solution will likely depend numerous factors, for example:
the length of the racenumber of participants
potential distances between T1 and T2are there potential impacts on the course traffic management with spectators driving between T1/T2/finish
are the awards soon after the race finishes or the following dayare the majority of competitors from out-of-towners staying in downtown accommodation or is more a local event eg destination race vs local race
There’s no single correct answer for every event and we’re all going to respond depending on what we imagine your race to be like, rather than what it necessarily is.
Good race organisers strive for improvement and delivering that perfectly run event. It’s the same mindset that many had or have as athletes. And while it’s important to value listening to feedback from participants, from my experience, over 90% of suggestions you’ll likely receive over years of putting on an event, although well-intentioned will be ideas you’ve previously considered and rejected.
Ultimately, no one knows your race like you. Whether that be the competing constraints and limitations with which you’re dealing, or the experience and atmosphere you wish to bring to those racing. So trust yourself and the team around you.
ETA: Just don’t go with different locations for swim start, T1, T2, and finish. There’s a reason that crap died in the '80s.
Don’t like split transitions. It just adds to the stress and faff (assuming transition set ups are the day before). If on the morning…** total PITA stress fest (how to maximise a chance of a heart attack in the swim** - add even more stress in the morning). .
Split transitions are simply a foreseen and controllable logistic requirement for the athlete, typically with a simple protocol in place for everyone to follow. Maybe not an ideal, but all races have their quirks and differences.
If a split transition is a potentially life-threathening stressor for an athlete, my concern would be whether that athlete should even be on the start line.
Being in a satisfactory condition to race is primarily the athlete’s responsibility. And being fit enough includes more than being physically prepared.
It is only triathlon. We’re all just playing a game and having fun.