I’d like to take an informal poll of what it is that makes you choose the races that you do each year. Obviously proximity to where you live is a factor, but what are you looking for from a race.
I am inquiring as a race director for a very well established triathlon (race has been around longer than I’ve been alive, I’m 30!) I want to keep our race on the right track and not see it decline. Please keep this in mind as our date/venue are already well established.
TIA for anything that can be contributed!
EDIT: The race is a “long” sprint on a moderately hilly course. Unfortunately, the course is open to traffic, and that won’t change. It’s very popular with our local residents in that we have many people who only do this race every year and aren’t your “typical triathlete” with a multi-race schedule.
How important is post race food, awards, medals, etc. for a sprint?
Depth of the field and legacy of the race (St. Anthony’s has been around forever). However, I really love the small, grassroots sprints for the ease of racing. I love being able to wake up on a Saturday morning, race, and get on with my day.
Races that have a short swim because I can’t swim train much…
Races that don’t have a huge field yet have a decent level of
competition in my age group.That’s a problem now, last race I did I was the only
one in my age group (60-64).
Here is why I pick the races I do.
The race is convenient, either close to where I live or someplace I was planning on vacationing anyway.There are reasonable hotel accommodations if the race is more than a 2 hour drive or starts really early in the morning.The entrance fees aren’t crazy high.The course doesn’t involve much traffic, car or pedestrian.
Here’s what I look for:
Close proximity to where I live is always a plusReasonable cost (under $100 for a sprint or oly is pretty much essential)Friendly to all abilities (beginner or a perennial podium finisher and everyone in between)Good food
I’ve been to many races put on by larger organizations (branded) and smaller local organizations alike. I tend to prefer the latter because of the friendly atmosphere and the greater likelihood of #3 above.
Signs of organisation. I like to have all of the information I need to make decisions and plan appropriately well in advance.
Ease of logistics, and forewarning of any quirks or challenges. Like having to park a mile and a half away from transition.
Post-dawn start. I may be in the minority and I understand that road closures etc. can be more problematic, but I will give preference to a race that doesn’t have me out of bed at 4am for a sprint race.
History of all/either: strict drafting enforcement with higher than average penalties, hilly course, small field.
History of good organization and positive racer comments
Either a short drive (< 4 hour) or a reasonable flight (<$250 round trip).
Reasonable hotel rate (<$120/night) and cheap car rental available.
Would prefer to take a risk on a race that might be “cold” (<70 degrees), than one that was hot (>90 degrees)
Don’t care about: finisher medal/certificate, “big venue”, fast course, perceived depth of field
FYI: I generally only do long course, and only race a few times a year.
Tri Rock Philly - We like the venue, the course, and the town.
We haven’t found another one that is worthy of repeating over and over. Maybe Beach2Battleship if all goes well this year. The price and location are right, it depends on the course and venue.
Honestly, my biggest draw (especially the last couple years) is the fun aspect…if I don’t have a big stupid grin on my face (regardless of placing) when I finish, I won’t do an event again.
Close (less time spent driving than racing, ideally)
No shenanigans like mandatory bike check-in the day before to goose their hotel impact.
Nice to have:
Smaller competitor counts are nice. Big races mean mass drafting, crowded parking lots, long lines for everything, traffic jams coming in and out, etc.
Quiet, well-maintained country roads. It sucks to be dodging potholes at a race, or to be worried about cars. Then it’s no different than training.
Cost is a factor. Under $120ish CAD for an olympic or shorter is key.
I aim for balancing “interesting” experiences with effort to partake. Eg.
1 destination race, has always been long course b/c if I’m traveling 6 h or more I wanna be in a long distance race.
Hills. Seems sadistic to my friends but I like to kick my own ass on hills.
Quirk factor, like the odd ocean swim (since I don’t usually do these it ups the challenge significantly), sand run, or jump off a giant ferry to start, or climbs that make some people dismount their bikes.
I intend to aim for more short/local races next season and love the idea of an “everybody fits in” race. However for both the cost and the quantity of people with limited bike skills/smarts will probably never do the Philly Tri again, even though I can easily bike to it to participate.
I do not even want most event shirts, tend to find the size of finisher’s medals tacky. But if you include some good food or a beer, I’m inclined to hang out after finishing and really enjoy myself.
For the most part, I like the races that everyone else says are hard, hilly, and fun. I am drawn to a course that is listed to have the “Hill”, “Challenging”, or “The only one like it” in the course description. There are a couple I will go back to, but some if someone tells me “Have you ever heard of this race” this will get me to check it out and go to the race and do it at least once. If the race is organized and ran well I will return.
Micro brewery in town
Interesting things to see
Short swim
Good timing company
Fun before and after race , music, beer.
Awards are different
Fast course
Good Web page
Something different. This year did a 500 yard swim , 1 mile run, 12 mile bike, 2.5 mile run
