Looking to do a Full distance race in 2013, Vineman caught my eye due to its price and proximity (Bay Area resident). Im a starving college student, so the cost is largely important to me (Id be saving a few grand from not needing Hotel, Bike Box, Rental Car, Flight etc.).
Been in the endurance game for about 4 years now and am finally making some long term goals.
I hear this is a smaller race since its not IM branded (which is fine with me, I dont run for others to cheer me on) and the course profile looks almost identical to the stuff I train on daily. What are everyones thoughts on the race? Pros/Cons? The other races I was considering were IM Idaho and AZ, but those would most likely break the bank.
I am signing up for it today, never done it but my girlfriend has done it twice. She said she’d do it every year and she wasn’t chasing Kona points. When giving me a run down of the course, she said what you’ve already stated, hilly. Also, specifically it’s great for me because I won’t have to fight through 2,500 people on the course. This proved to be a bigger plus for me than I expected at Beach to Battleship this year. Also, B2B alleviated any concerns I had over a separate transition race. It wasn’t bad at all.
After doing Beach to Battleship this year, the only way I’ll ever got back to a WTC event is if I truly have a great shot at making Kona. Plus, I had the chance to meet the RD’s last year and they were incredibly nice. Makes me want to give them my business.
Not sure that answered your question, but those are my thoughts.
There are a lot of threads on the pros and cons of Vineman Full on here which you should be able to easily find using the search function. One thing to note is that the races is getting more popular and they said it has a good chance to sell out for the first time (at 1100 racers).
I would say it is a great first iron-distance race. You can always do the IM branded races later in life when you have more money. The only potential con is that every few years it gets pretty hot on the run.
I did VM in 09, my only full distance tri. It’s a well run race and from reading your post sounds like a good choice for you. Jump on the 3 for 2 deal.
Also use the search for lotsssss of info.
I did Vineman Full this year as my first full distance race. Same reasons as stated by the OP, easy to get there, no need to spend money on flights, bike transport, etc etc.
I absolutely loved the race, very well organized, great athmosphere. Highly recommended. You will not hear “you are an ironman” but you don’t need to hear it to know you still are one. Expo is tiny, so not much opportunity to buy overpriced stuff. You also can’t get the IM tatoo.
But again, really nice race which I will definitely do again.
Ihave done IMCDA twice. 8hr drive from home. Done Vineman twice. Have to take a flight…Next year…Vineman. …No more WTC for me…Then there is Silvermam, want another shot at that one
I did Vineman Full this year as my first full distance race. Same reasons as stated by the OP, easy to get there, no need to spend money on flights, bike transport, etc etc.
I absolutely loved the race, very well organized, great athmosphere. Highly recommended. You will not hear “you are an ironman” but you don’t need to hear it to know you still are one. Expo is tiny, so not much opportunity to buy overpriced stuff. You also can’t get the IM tatoo.
But again, really nice race which I will definitely do again.
??? What kind of dictatorship is this? Who’s gonna stop me?!?
Vineman is a nice race. Well run and friendly. The swim venue is one of the best in all of triathlon. The bike course is very fair. Not flat but not really that hilly either. The road surface is a rough for the entire course. Can get windy but usually not too bad. The run course I did not enjoy. Very hilly with 3 out and back loops. Unless you are a very strong runner you will be doing some walking for sure. The road has a significant crown to it which can be annoying. Also very dark and lonely out on the far end once the sun goes down. The aid stations are adequate. Don’t go there expecting Ironman quality at half the price. You get what you pay for. Vineman is a good value for the money.
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I did Vineman as my first ironman back in 2008 and had a great time. It’s an easy swim. The bike course is fairly fast, but the road conditions are pretty crappy in many places. The run course was the biggest disappointment for me. It’s a three looper, and even though the hills aren’t super steep or long, by the time you do them a third time them seem pretty damn steep and long! There isn’t a lot of shade either. And as has been mentioned, it can get hot and windy. It was both in 2008. It was around 93 degrees when I started the marathon and it got up to 98 degrees. But, it was a great experience, and the awards ceremony the next day was very cool. I’d definitely recommend it as a first ironman.
I liked the low key vibe that surrounded the event. I did IM CDA the next year and really enjoyed it too. The experience you’ll have at Vineman is different than the one you’ll have at a WTC event. Not better or worse in my opinion, just different.
I have done this race 8 times starting way back in '91 plus I’ve done the 70.3 race about another 9 times. Like most will tell you it is a very well run race on a beautiful course. I have recommended this race many times. It is a great first time iron distance event.
Yes, the bike course is not the smoothest, but it has never been a bothered to me. It is a honest run. The hills on the run can seem tough doing them 3 times. The heat is very hit or miss, but it is an ironman and you have to learn to deal with the conditions.
You will not be disappointed.
Having said all of that, the WTC puts on a big event that is filled with lots of people, both contestants and crowds. It is worth the extra money IF that is what you want.
make sure you find 2 other people on slowtwitch to sign up with you. If 3 people sign up at once it is something like $150 off, when I did it I found out about the deal right after registering which sucked. I think the race is only $250 a pop if you register with 2 other people