Siesta Key Triathlon : Official Thread

I'll be there.  This is my "comeback" race this year - work and other family issues have kept me away for the past couple of years. 

Mark

Depends on whether it's low or high tide.  The run course is along the water's edge.  At low tide there's a nice strip of damp, packed sand; at high tide it's softer and more difficult to run on.  You'll probably get your shoes a bit wet & grungy running along the water, especially on the outbound leg.  Take note if you run sockless, you're certain to get some sand in your shoes.   

I've never seen anyone run barefoot - while most of the run is on the beach, the transition area and the finish chute are in the beach parking lot area. 

For me the toughest part of the race is the approximately 100 yd run from the water to T1 through the soft sand.

Mark

We're talking about the October race, put on by the YMCA for the benefit of their Sharks youth swim team for the past 20 some years. 

The Sept. race is put on by a local for-profit race promoter, who I have nothing good to say about.  

Mark    

I both raced and volunteered at some of his previous events. 

He is scrimping on the timing system to save money.  They hand time at the finish line, so no splits.  He even says to "bring your own watch" if you want splits.

The promoter is is encouraging people to enter this race so that HE can use the proceeds to purchase a timing system that he will in turn rent at 'discount' rates back to the local tri club for races.  That whole concept doesn't set well with me.  I guess I'd rather support events that support a worthy cause than one designed to line somebody's pocket.

In the past he has had an inadequate number of volunteers to properly cover the course.  He's had a history of cancelling events at the last minute when he couldn't get all the required permits in time, or he didn't have enough entries.

Some other stuff that I won't go into here.

Mark