General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Gator triathlon: Bradenton Rss Feed  
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2014-02-21 6:37 AM

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Expert
2373
20001001001002525
Floriduh
Subject: Gator triathlon: Bradenton
I am weighing my schedule for this spring and was planning to do St. A's but something came up that may mak that not possible. I saw this Gator HIM/Oly race in Bradenton in mid April. Anyone done this?


2014-02-21 12:25 PM
in reply to: Oysterboy

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2014-02-21 1:01 PM
in reply to: nolehypothesis

Expert
2373
20001001001002525
Floriduh
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton
$125 for the Oly, registration link below

[url] https://www.imathlete.com/events/EventReg/EventReg_SelectType.aspx?f...
2014-02-26 2:05 PM
in reply to: Oysterboy

Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton

I had some bad experiences with this promoter a few years ago both as a participant and volunteer and will never do another one of his races. 

To be fair, I have heard that he's done a better job recently and that his races have gone well.

Caveat emptor.

Mark

2014-02-26 3:00 PM
in reply to: Oysterboy

Master
6834
5000100050010010010025
Englewood, Florida
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton

I have a friend that did the HIM last year. I'll see what she has to say and let you know.

2014-02-26 3:16 PM
in reply to: cdban66

Master
6834
5000100050010010010025
Englewood, Florida
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton

OK, this is what I got back:

It's a great event if you want something small and casual.  If you need a lot of fanfair, not so much.  The water was pretty cold last year and the Floridians were freaking out a bit.  The bike is just an out and back with two water exchanges.  On a non-windy day it would be fast.  The run was hot but what do you want?  It's Florida.  Oh, the run was a double out and back.  Water every mile or so.

The site has some RV camping and the campers were congesting the park entrance which was annoying at the end of the bike and for the four times we passed it in the run.

The Oly has a lot more people (still small)

I have the impression that the race director has been somewhat polarizing?  I suspect that he comes across as "northern" (although I think that he's French) and some people find him to be abrasive.  I had not issues with him though.

It's not real scenic.  Is that a negative?  I don't look around much while I am racing.

Plenty of port-o-johns.  Bath house to change in after the race.

I can't think of what else to add.  I'd recommend it if you like small.  And hey, I got a performance tee and a bike jersey!



2014-02-27 1:38 PM
in reply to: Oysterboy

Expert
1051
10002525
Bradenton, Florida
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton
I did the OLY last year and found it to be very much in line with the above review. Small, casual, and not over the top in fanfare.

My swim was fast, but I think it's because I know what's in that water. I've seen their orange eyes with a spotlight at night.

The bike was nothing spectacular, although I did hear rumors about the RD changing the bike to a loop around the lake. The wind is the biggest factor on the bike. I think last year was a shifting cross wind that seemed to be in my face the whole way.

The run was hot but well supported. Water stops every mile and good volunteers.

The food afterwards was good, the had ice baths near the finish, and if you walked back to the campground, warm showers in very clean restrooms.

My race report is here: http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid...

And yes, I was 1st in my category of 1. Thank you very much!
2014-04-08 10:54 AM
in reply to: 0

Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Gator triathlon: Bradenton

I got an e-mail basically saying that this race has morphed into a "no frills" race, with no timing ("bring your own watch"), no shirts, no food, minimal on-course support, etc.  Entry fees have been reduced to $50 for either the Half or Oly. 

Rather comically the online registration now refers to it as  a "No thrills" race.

Mark

 

 

 

 



Edited by RedCorvette 2014-04-08 11:05 AM
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