People,
Any knowledge on when do the minneapolis race sells out? I am going to be there at the in-laws attending a weeding the weekend of July 4th and might extend the stay to the next weekend if possible to do the race but I wont be sure about that until probably april/may. Any chance of still racing by then?
Peace
In earlier years it sold out pretty fast. This last year I think it sold out later, around June, if it sold out at all. I think the late sell out was because of the two years of high temps (2005 & 2006) of 97 degrees one year and 99 degrees another with high humidity. I think the high temps deterred a lot of people and the fact that they shortened the distance for safety reasons, because of the heat. I know my sister-inlaw decided against traveling and doing it, because of the the high temps the two years she did the race. That being said, last year (07) was perfect around 75 degrees and low humidity, so people may show up again and it may sell out sooner. I know I didn’t give you a specific answer, but I hope this helps. Lifetime is consistently conducted on the hottest week of the year here in Minneapolis. You would think LTF would consider moving it either earlier or later, when things are cooler here in MSP. Another reason for the later sell out may be due to the fact that it’s not that great of a race anymore. My first year was great and it has fallen off ever since. Regardless, still a pretty good olympic distance event. I usually sign up in March and have never had a problem. I would think you would be okay to sign up in April, but May maybe stretching it a bit. Good luck.
If you want to do a fabulous race that weekend, do HOLT. If you want to wait a really long time (HOURS) before your wave goes off, pay waaaaay too much $$, and take part in a very not-so-wonderful course…then by all means, sign up for Lifetime 
And yes, you have a while…;ately it hasn’t filled up all that fast.
But I don’t have an opinion at all 
Actually, this year LTF is the same weekend as Timberman in Grand Rapids, and Heart of the Lakes (HOLT) is the following weekend.
Another option is Minneman - http://www.minnemantri.com/
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Ah, Timberman, another fine race 
Almost better than HOLT, almost.
Thanks for the info. I’ll have in mind in case I can stretch the stay. I have to go there for the 4th weekend no matter what so its just a matter of taken care of some work stuff.
The temperature doesnt really bother me. I race in Miami year-round and I am originally from the tropics so I like the hot races rather than the really cold ones.
Why do you think the race is not that good anymore? I am curious because the first thing that puts me off is the 3000+ people, I dont like big olympic races, reason #1 why I havent done St. Anthony even though is in my backyard. Thanks again.
Peace
Where is HOTL?
I thought about Lifetime because my in-laws live in Minnetonka so the race site wont be that far away.
I saw the fee was $140, pretty steep for an Oly but cheaper than Alcatraz
Peace
Where is the race site for minneman?
Peace
Hector,
thanks for the suggestion but I have a wedding that day. I am looking for a race for the following weekend.
Peace
Timberman is August 16…
peace
LTF used to draw bigger or should I say a better number of Pro’s, but the purse has gone down every year and the Pro race is dwindling. The bike course is a little bumpy, they could have a smoother bike course if they really tried. The run is twice around Lake Nokomis, I think they could use more imagination with the run. You’re right the entry fee is pretty steep for what you get as far as a race event. Really nothing special and that’s why it’s not getting the attention it wants. I only do the race for the fact that it is here close to home and for some other personal reasons, but really, not a great “travel to event”. Sorry LTF.
I’ve done LTF oly distance the last 2 years and will not be doing it again - mainly because they close transition around 7:00 in the morning, but most people don’t race until much later, like 9:00-10:00. Even later if you’re in an older age group. There is a lot of waiting around in the heat in your race/swim gear. Kind of sucks.
That’s the OTHER Timberman
The Timberman here, in MN, is on July 12. http://www.timberman.org/
It’s full, however, I believe. It’s a beautiful face though–fun bike course, gorgeous swim (well, if you like that sort of thing), great support, and well-organized.
Yeah, I forgot to mention the waiting around. That sucks big time.
I have done LTF and worked it as well. IMHO- it is definitely a crummy race for an AG. Lots of reasons that have been covered in previous threads. Lots of other great races that weekend and I would definitely point you towards Minniman as a few others have. This will be the fourth year but it has already been voted most popular race here twice. Sign up now if you’re interested as it will fill very soon. Last year I waited to February and got shut out.
BTW- LTF is actually great fun to watch. The pros that show are up are wicked fast and it makes for a good time. I just wouldn’t and couldn’t recommend it to any AGer.
LTF is actually great fun to watch
**
I agree WHich is why I do one of the other races… and then watch the edited LTF version on TV, at home, safely ensconced in the airconditioning
Thanks to all for your insight on the LTF race. I think I am really not eager to do it based on that the course is nothing out of this world, tons of people and long wait…
If anyone is aware of a good race sprint or Oly close to MSP the weekend of July 12 let me know
Peace