B2B vs IM (Page 2)

Sounds pretty awesome. Too bad CDA is just so darn far. 

B2B is so darn close and such a good race, but IM calls. Will have to wait until 2014, though.

^^^

That right there is a perfect summary and was my experience at IMFL.  Just as there are many many great marathons in the US, running Chicago or New York are a whole new level.  They aren't just a race, they are an epic event totally embraced by the cities.  Same with the WTC events, at least the ones I have done.

Now I have no idea about all IM events out there, but just the two I have done (Augusta 70.3 and IMFL), the races are much more "event" than just a race.

Also though, just because some races are huge epic productions, it doesn't always mean a better race.  It does though usually mean you have a good time regardless of your race results.  I had a marathon blow up in Chicago on one of their 80+ degree days.  Finished 25+ minutes over goal time. Didn't care. I had so much fun for 3 nights in Chitown (maybe too much fun) and the crowds along the course were insane and I loved every minute of it.  That race would have sucked balls if it wasn't for the atmosphere.

I think we all can expect a top quality event, so I don't expect any surprises in regards to "production".  And, the event sold out in 2 weeks so we know there's going to be a huge crowd of athletes.

Here's my question about this race....How is the event going to do long term?  I think the sellout was so quick because we have a large triathlon community in this state (and neighboring states).  But how many are going to be "one and done" with this particular race?  I'll admit, I probably fit that description myself.

I expect you will be able to make a comparison to IM Texas.  Quick sellout in the inaugural year (because so many Texas residents raced).  Then slower sellout in the 2nd year.  And even slower to fill in the 3rd year (IM Texas 2013 is still open at this point) and so on.

ETA:  Bold.

I agree with you Alan. I signed up because a) it was here b) it was a WTC event "in town" and c) know tons of people who signed up so wanted to play too. Not sure if I would sign up again though. We'll see :-)

I think a better question is how Raleigh does WTC.  

I don't think production wise WTC does much different from Setup other than WTC has a much bigger merchandise tent. Where one of the differences lie is how the community supports them.  The streets are lined with people in Augusta/PCB...they are the ones that really make a race great. Will Raleigh support the race like other cities have?  It seems that most of the successful WTC races are in smaller towns/cities where they don't have a lot of big events to compete with.  You could bring the best athletes in the world out to a race in CLT and still not get 100 spectators that don't have a friend/family racing. 

Hopefully they can get NC State students involved somehow to bring in the party vibe.

I am going to disagree with the statement that from a production stand point Set Ups is close to a WTC race. Everything from the Jumbo Tron wide screen,road closures,grandstands Ironman TV all the way down to transition area's , bags and swag is much more professional. and presented on a grander scale. And you do pay more for it so it should be. 

You pose an interesting question on how the race will do in Raleigh. WTC usually operates on a 5 year rotating contract which also will have an out clause for WTC. So the chamber of commerce is committed. While the newness of the race contributed to a quick sellout this year, I also now know quite a few folks who got shut out and wish they would have got off the fence sooner. WTC will shut down a race quickly if it does not meet there standards NYC IM was one and done because of logistics and Utah lost there IM race this year because of turnout.

I think Raleigh will do well for the following reasons and I don't know Raleigh well as I live in Salisbury. Location right smack in the middle of Eagleman and Augusta in a very Tri friendly area and not a bad commute for anyone from Florida to NY for a long weekend. One friend of mine from NY is racing,then taking her kids who are out of school to our beautiful North Carolina beaches for a week vacation, this is a great idea for families and might catch on. Second for folks who have raced other events before but never a WTC race coming back to downtown Raleigh I am thinking Rock Star treatment and incredible finish like they have never experienced before, So word of mouth, how many of us have heard about a great race from our friends and signed up next year. B2B greatly improved it's status this way and now sells out. People at WTC are kicking themselves for not owning  this IM in Wilmington. The growth of the IM brand is booming.

The con to me is the weather, while I don't think early June to be much different then Augusta late September it could be...so if we have 90's and humid for 3 straight years it could spell trouble. Let's hope for nice weather and great crowd support because once we have have something like this in North Carolina we will want to keep it.

You definitely nailed this.  Worst spectator support city I've seen.  Raleigh definitely has a different vibe, so I'm hoping for the best with turnout for the 70.3 race.