BT GATHERING May 9!: Rev3 Tri - Knoxville PICTURES!

Leegoocrap - 2010-05-09 5:41 PM Ron where is that picture of you with your wetsuit on backwards

Ron - 2010-05-09 5:47 PM

If there is not a picture, it never happened. 

That's what happens if I talk in transition while trying to perform a task...it gets done backwards! 

Ron - 2010-05-09 5:17 PM We just finished the Rev3 Triathlon in Knoxville, TN which is a new race series that started last year (I think).  With races starting at $165 for an Olympic and going to $500 for a full IM, it better exceed expectations.  Here is my distillation, others feel free to chime in.  Note, this was the first time for this event and is my experience for the Olympic distance. 

PROS:
- Volunteers everywhere
- The little details.  My name was printed on my bib.  Everyone called me by my first name...a little odd at first but you end up liking it.  Names WERE EVEN printed on and placarded on the bike rack.  Nice touch.
- I think they had the entire Knoxville police force out on the roads.  Amazing.
- On time
- Well marked roads.  You absolutely can't get lost...you don't even need to know the route.  Volunteers everywhere.
- Aid stations every mile on the run and several on the bike
- Giant, GIANT TV screen (the new digital ones next to the highways for advertising) broadcasting race finishes, stats and racer pictures (taken at time of check-in) as they cross the finishline.  Super easy to see in bright sunlight.
- FOR THE FAMILIES....wow...most races don't cater to kids that well (in my opinion) and the parent left with the kids wants to pull their hair out of anxious, bored children...well...1 - There were 3 GIANT inflatable jumpers right at the finishline.  2 - A water fountain, splash area behind the finishline and 3, a good-sized playground right off of that.  All directly near the finishline.  This is worth the fee in my opinion of you are bringing family.  The kids will sleep well I assure.
- Race Parking.  This wasn't an issue...plenty of parking around the race and we got in about mid-pack.
- Expo...very good  Pretty much most races, even the bigger ones, people don't stick around for the expo the day before as it's a quick in and out, not much happening, etc.  This expo kept you entertained on a stage with pro-athlete discussion, local arts entertainment (dance), etc. 

CONS
- Deli style sandwich at the end and 'baked Lays'.  At the end of the race, a good hamburger or hot-dog would have been perfect - even pizza compared to this.  I don't want to eat clean after a race, I am craving salt and grease.  All of this work to 'eat clean'? - No, no, no.  I thought about hamburgs on the entire run...that is what kept me moving.  Most of my local races in OH do have large grills for hamburgs, pasta, lot's of choice, etc. 

I give the race an 'A' and would make it an A+ for tastier, less healthier food at the end. but certainly not a deal-breaker.  Comparing apples to apples (same price/distance/destination race), St. Anthonys is a big destination race and the last time I did it was in 2006 - as far as quality assuming not much has changed there, this race is much better, more detailed and the production is spectacular...though please let me know if this has changed! 

If you like the little details, glam and glitz and want to bring your family to have fun too, this is your race.