Looking for some feedback on this course at the end of September. There have been rumors as to poor road conditions but overall how is the course and organization?? Thanks in advance.
There are some bumpy roads, but they aren’t terrible or anything. Occasional pothole here and there.
A goodly # of turns too, so it’s not a particularly fast course, in spite of not being too too hilly.
It’s a good idear to go pre-drive it prior, just so you know what to expect.
Claire’s Climb isn’t really all that much of a climb; it’s not steep, at all.
Run course is decent, it meanders a bit, but it’s not hard to stay on course or anything.
Kinda cool running on the boardwalk, and it’s shady going thru the village.
Swim can be a crapshoot. Some years it’s a little short, some years it’s a LOT short.
When last I did it ('05) they had Stella Artois as a sponsor, and lotsa FREE BEER from them.
First one - this is ok
Second one - this is pretty decent
Third one - hey, I like this beer! 
Get there EARLY to get a decent parking space at Playland and be able to get set up w/o rushing.
It is crowded.
I did the race 2x, then the entry fee got ridiculous, so I haven’t been back.
I rode the bike leg on a relay team last year and am doing the race individually this year as my A race. Murphy hit on a lot of the good points. I live within 5 miles of part of the bike course and have been riding certain parts quite regularly. “Poor” is too strong of a word to describe the roads. Some are a bit bumpy and some of them are quite nice. I will add that the bike course is different this year. “Clair’s Climb” is on a new section of road for this year. It is now about a 2 mile climb, then you loop over and actually go up the hill that used to be the old “Clair’s Climb.” I am not sure how strong of a rider you are, but they are not too bad. I averaged 19.9 mph in a recent OLY and I don’t have too many issues with these difficult parts of the course. I have been staying in the aerobars on both these climbs. The challenge will be more about keeping you pace on the correct level. Weaker riders will definitely blow up on these hills and some stronger ones will just go a bit too hard. “Clair’s Climb” will be around miles 8-10, then a second, shorter hill (the old clair’s climb) about 2 miles later in an office park. Go to the site and check out the map and elevation chart. The first half will trend uphill, the second half is fast back down.
I didn’t do the swim last year, but it is in the Sound and shouldn’t be too bad. From what I hear about the run course it is mostly flat.
The organization of the event is good. The Stella beer and pizza afterwards was nice last year as well.
Good luck. See you there!!
Adam