Favorite Ironman/Half-Ironman Course

IMCDA for full. The caveat to that is the water in Lake CDA is COLD!!

My favorite Half Iron is Gulf Coast in Panama City Beach, FL. One of the oldest triathlons in the US, very well run and a fast course. 2012 will be my 8th time racing there.

For a first time 70.3, I love the Vineman course.  Swim is in a river (no getting off track)...water temps warm (70-74ish) but wetsuit legal.  Bike is relatively easy but a scenic course and pretty much zero drafting due to the rollers.  The run is, well, a bit hilly but if the weather is nice like last year, very doable.  The only tough thing is temps can be in the 100's like 3 years ago or 70's like last year...you just never know!

The finish line buffet is one of the best ones out there with chicken breast sandwiches, pasta salad, lots of fruits and a wide assortment of drinks. 

First time 140.6, I loved MOO, too!

Patriot Half in Freeport Mass,

the peeps are great, big BT support group when you go up there.  It is a flat fast fair course, it is small with around 600 entries, it is beginner and veteran friendly, it is run by a great group of people that treat the athlete's well and it is not a pay extra for a brand name race.

Out of the two I've raced, I'd say SG.  The course is beautiful and tough, and has an epic feel to it.

I was somewhat dissapointed with IMAZ as the bike course was a constant line of bicycles, which made it seem more like a Disneyland ride than an actual course....

I loved IM Moo.  Beautiful course in all 3 sports, excellent crowd support, terrific food/beer in town, nearby fun relatives (Doug's). 

I prefer a rolling bike and run course, though, so if you like a flatter course, this may not be your race.

You just need to be a slower biker. 

My favorite half is Vineman too but I also love Wildflower. Yes, it's hilly, but it's gorgeous, and the atmosphere is unique.

I don't have a favorite IM.

I have done IM CDA and IM Canada. 

both are beautiful..but Canada you are rewarded for the hard work on the ups.  You get to FLY down the hills. 

CDA did not give me the reward on the bike like Canada.  Also, I like 1 loop vs 2 loops.  Make sure you are ready for the mental games that multiple loops can be...some like the opportunity to see people several times, while others don't want to pass by the finish line 3 times before actually crossing it!

Can't get into IM Canada - try Desert 1/2 Iron (outback events ca).  It is part of the IM Canada course.  I have done it 3 times and love the race.  It's small (250 racers)....great organization.  Not sure I'd recommend it for a first timer unless you do Canada IM - it's a GREAT 'training' race for Canada.

Ann

For 70.3's, I've done Wildflower, Oceanside, and Auburn.  Of those, I'd pick Wildflower for sure since it's unique with the camping, etc.  Because you live in Indio, Oceanside is very close to you so the logistics are easy, so that's a plus.  Wildflower is also driveable for you.

For 140.6's, I've done Vineman, Lanzarote, Moo, LP, Silverman, New Zealand, and SG.  For me personally, it was Lanzarote because I like to travel and I have a sister in Lanzarote (plus my family also flew out and then we also went to Germany to see more in-laws) so that was one of the most memorable experiences for me.  I would not recommend that one for a first-timer.  I have not done IM Canada, but I have raced in the area and the bike course is pretty nice (although pretty much all the ones I've done have had interesting bike courses except New Zealand).

Right said Fred

At IM level, I am so limited in what I have completed and attempted. So I'll pass on a favourite until I've done a few more.

HIMs I've done many. I love Muskoka...although the run hurt me real bad.  

Timberman was a lot of fun with great fans and a nice 10.5 k looped run. I liked the splits.  NH has lots of beautiful country to see. I loved the race park venue at Gunstock Mountain despite the transition area some distance away.

Eagleman has been my sentimental favourite for a long time.  I am a heavier runner/cyclist at 185 (5'9") and Ilove the flat course.  But everytime I've raced there it has been over 100 degrees. The fans are great and the locals are really friendly. This year I actually melted on the swim.  No wet suits and thank god. The water was like a hot tub. I bonked on the bike at 60 k...from water loss. The day ended well with a drive home in air conditioning.  From 104 degrees in Cambridge to 63 degress in Ottawa.

I've heard nothing but crazy praise for Savageman and that is where I am going this year.

Cheers