B2B or IM Maryland?

I've done B2B 1/2 and full as well as IM Cozumel. B2B had much better race organization and support. IM does have a large tent with lots of over priced IM crap. If that's what blows your skirt up.

Yeah, I couldn't care less about a merch tent so if that's the big difference then it doesn't seem worth it to go WTC. I agree with you about the B2B organization and support...can't imagine it being any better elsewhere but I don't have a lot to compare it to.

You asked about "bang for the buck" in your original post.....if that is going to be the determining factor, then the winner is B2B!!

Agree...B2B is a great race. I've done the half and full, and I've also done an Ironman branded race.

With B2B, you're going to get a well run race without the HUGE crowds. The finish is not like an Ironman, though. It's much more low key.

I did the B2B half in 2012 and the Ironman half at Augusta in 2013. I have already signed up to do the full at B2B this year. I found both races to be very well organized and enjoyable. I recommend going with B2B, which is the route that I have taken.

I have completed IM Louisville in 2011 and B2B Full in 2013. IM has triple the number the number of participants. It also has triple the spectators on the course. IM aid stations have IM branded drinks and sponsor gels plus fruits, crackers and other things. B2B swim has some current pushing you with the incoming tide. Bike course is slightly rolling and pretty windy. Run course is mostly flat with a few short hills. Bike aid stations had themes to them. Run aid stations had similar goodies to the IM aid stations...plus home made goodies. They also had themes to them too.

Remember 140.6 is 140.6 wherever you do it. Good luck. Happy training.

I've done Raleigh 70.3 and B2B (half and full) and I don't think I would pay extra for the IM "experience" because I really enjoyed my B2B experiences...except the B2B finish when they had it on the island (its downtown now, which IMO is waaaaay better). Having said that, the town of Raleigh really got behind the 70.3 so the ride was way more fun than B2B because you had spectators all over the course, so that was nice. Having said that, why not use the $$ you save doing B2B and make a weekend of it- stay at the beach and enjoy Wrightsville beach/Wilmington. It makes for a nice weekend. I even went down last year just for kicks to spectate and enjoy a fall weekend at the beach, with the awesome B2B hotel discounts. :-)

One caveat with what I said above for B2B is that the full draws far fewer participants than the half, so B2B half and B2B full are different experiences IMO...B2B weekend is busy, but the full is very quiet if you are finishing at the tail end of the field. Good luck whatever you choose to do though.

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I did the B2B full last year in 2013 and have signed up for the IM MD this year since I have only done an IM 70.3. The IM 70.3 in Raleigh was awesome and there was a lot of energy. B2B is top 5 non IM branded and they do a great job as you probably saw, great course, great fans, awesome volunteers. I am hoping for a little warmer start that the the start of the swim at the B2B, which had an air temp of around 36-38 degrees F ...although I think that was an anomaly. My wife and I have rented a cool waterfront room at a Bed in Breakfast for the IM MD and I am looking forward to the full IM experience, should be a blast! Have fun making your decision and enjoy your journey!

Yep, cause there's no masses of crowds are several points along the race. Or thousands at the finish line to give you a rock stars celebration as you just achieved a dream. Or masses of people at the start of the day to give you a taste of whats to come.

Just a merch tent.

Honestly, the hatred towards WTC blows my mind.

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Edited by eppie 2014-05-07 10:47 PM