have done both races - different vibe, thought both were great.
for folks that have done both - i realize the bike and run courses are different in nature, but which do you think are harder? Why?
thx
r
Overall, I’d say WF is slightly tougher.
Swim: StG tougher, purely based on water temp
Bike: WF tougher, similarly challenging, but a noticeable difference in road quality. StG roads are way smoother. Also, very little wind at StG (this yr), and windy at WF (last yr). Both have their notorious climbs (Nasty Grade vs. Snow Canyon)
Run: WF tougher. Neither race has any extended flat portions, so both are hilly, but I give the edge to WF here.
Both are great events, with their own character. Honestly, it’ll be hard for me to choose which to do next year (thanks WTC: see other thread on this).
I think both races are very similar, especially the swim and bike. Regarding which course is harder, I would have to say it’s decided on the run. Although weather conditions can change course toughness very easily for either race!
Wildflower run has shorter steeper sections on trails, whereas St Georger has longer sustained climbs in the 2-3 mile range. Personnaly I had a harder time with the St George hills than the Wildflower hills.
Overall, both are great races and St George came out swinging this year. I give St George the win regarding the scenery and town support (which is the best I have ever experienced). Wildflower wins with the grass roots event, camping, and tri vibe.
Both are great events and it’ll be a tough choice deciding on next year…
+1
Summed up very well. FWIW, I was 20min slower at WF last year compared to SG this year and felt like I was in pretty similar shape. Not sure that means too much though. I would think that the weather conditions would really be the huge difference, depending on heat, wind, etc. I do think that part of the challenge of the WF run is that it twists and turns so much more than SG. SG is really hilly with absolutely zero flat sections, but at least you have reasonably long, straight sections and don’t have to break your rhythm near as much as WF. Also, I didn’t see any nudity at the SG race, unlike at WF. 
Both are really fantastic races. Top knotch!
Swim- fairly equal
Bike- very different, but equally tough. Wildflower maybe slightly harder because of tough hills at the end, but you could argue that.
Run- there are no easy spots in St. George.
I think St George is slightly more difficult, but they are pretty close. I think the one with later wave start on a hot day is the toughest
What about elevation differential? For someone coming from the flats, StGeorge’s elevation has to be a considerable factor.
i’m from cleveland oh - pretty low on elevation - i’m guessing a couple 100 feet at best - i did not notice a thing in terms of st g - but i do spend about 6-8 weeks a year in CO (denver, summit co) so maybe that helps - IDK
r
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I did not notice the elevation either. Perhaps I can blame my slow time on it???
Now that the pain is going away, I am tryiong to decide on next year. Wildflower or St. George???