Signing up for first ironman next year and it will either be Wisconsin or Louisville. I have been to Madison and really enjoy the area but would like to know what all the veterans have to say. Thanks…
I think IMKY has one of the best finish lines in all of IM, but the weather here is so unpredictable. I’m down here now and the high is supposed to low 80’s Sunday, compared to around 95 + last year. For your first IM it can be a risk, last years DNF rate was through the roof due to the heat. I have never done IMWI, someone told me it was raining and people were getting hypothermic a few years ago, so it may not be much better. I’m interested to hear opinions.
Only sign up for Louisville if you are prepared for extreme heat and humidity. That’s the norm in KY this time of year, and anything cooler is rare.
Totally different races. IMWI is probably a more technical bike, IMKY a no wetsuit swim usually. I agree with the poster saying L’ville has the best finish line, as it is superb, but Madison has a great scene on State Street and a lap on the football field. I guess it depends on your strengths and weaknesses, which is a main factor I’d consider when picking my first. Enhance your success chances with a wise choice.
IMOO 3X IMKY 1X. I’d do Wisconsin over KY without a doubt and that involves an extra 4 hrs in the car for me to get to Madison!
jamie
Normal high in Louisville at the end of August is 85. Unfortunately, for three of the IMs in Louisville it has been much warmer. One was much cooler. This one is predicted to be slightly cooler than average (and probably much lower humidity than average).
Anyway, if you sign up for IMLou, you need to be prepared for it to be in the nineties because that has been the predominant experience so far – but you still have a decent shot at it being better.
I prefer IMWI, but I had a great time with both races. Did IMKY in 09 (cool temps) and IMWI in 2010 (perfect weather) and am scheduled to do IMWI this year.
The main thing I liked about IMWI is the amount of crowd support on the bike and the run. IMKY has nothing comparable on the bike course. The scenery on the run course is also better at IMWI. Preferred the IMWI T1/T2 setup vs IMKY.
Two advantages to doing IMKY are the TT swim start (I didn’t feel like I actually started swimming at IMWI until some point on the second lap), and the finish area.