General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Thinking about stepping up to 70.3 Rss Feed  
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2014-10-13 4:30 PM

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Subject: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
We have a small 70.3 race coming up in November, about 120 participants. I am guessing that not all 70.3s are considered Half Ironmans? Do they have to sanction them? Just wondering if I should do the small one or try to find a official HIM. For your first HIM, would you prefer a larger venue?


2014-10-13 4:40 PM
in reply to: jareed58

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
With the understanding that I haven't done one yet myself, I don't really care who recognizes it or not. If you do the distance then you did it, end of conversation. I don't think there is anything you would do for a FerrousSapien event ( don't want to infringe on any TMs) that you won't do in this small race.

If the venue and size will give you the experience you want out of the race, go for it. If you want all the pomp and circumstance of a brand name event and would be disappointed with less, then look for that race.

I am still early enough in the sport to be racing for me, to finish and perform well. Maybe someday I will care about the other stuff, maybe, but not now.

Follow what I was told was the first rule in triathlons...HAVE FUN!

2014-10-13 4:55 PM
in reply to: jareed58


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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
With only 120 participants, its going to be kinda lonely out there unless the course is set-up with multiple laps. More important than the number of participants though is the number of support staff. Is it a first time event? If no, any reports or info available about previous years? I don't mind smaller events at all especially since it means I'm a lot more competitive versus the field. But 120 over 70.3, that's pretty small for that distance. A sprint and I'd think it's great, but for a 70.3, it'll feel more like a training ride at times. That, and if the bike course isn't really well marked and supported, you'll be constantly worried you went the wrong way b/c you may have large gaps where you won't be able to see any other competitors ahead of you.
2014-10-13 6:48 PM
in reply to: jareed58

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58
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, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
Agree with the previous post.
120 people over 70.3 miles, you may never see any of them after the swim. A race that small would have me a little bit concerned. I have done a couple 70.3s put on my Setup Events (smaller when compared to Ironman or Rev3), and they have never disappointed me. The organization was phenomenal, course logistics were well thought out and support was great. I did my first Ironman branded event this year, and I see the reason why those races are sought after. Every detail of the race, course, support, logistics, etc. is ridiculously well thought out and planned. The support that WTC can garner is tough to compete with, which is great for the athlete.
Ultimately, what matters is what is important to you. If you want to do the smaller race, and you feel it is well set up and supported, go for it. I will say, read some reviews on it and see what other people have to say. If you cant find any reviews, maybe that's a sign that its probably worth looking elsewhere.
2014-10-13 9:06 PM
in reply to: #5059479

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
Yup. If you do a 70.3 race then you've done a half ironman. The rest is just whether you enjoy the race... very small probably means less infrastructure, fans, etc. Personally, I probably would either 1) find a bigger race and enjoy the atmosphere or 2) forget the race fee and just go out some Sat and do the distance.

But again, do whatever makes you happiest.
2014-10-13 9:35 PM
in reply to: smoom

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127
10025
, Louisiana
Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
Thanks for the responses. I did a small Oly recently and it had it's advantages and disadvantages. That race and upcoming 70.3, both are pretty close to having the same cost as their bigger venue races (within $25-$30). I can see where the amount of people you would pass, or pass you, will get scarce after the swim. The excitement of bigger races is a adrenaline rush, and seems to help with times.


2014-10-14 5:45 AM
in reply to: jareed58

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
$25-30 is very inexpensive for race fees. I'd assume there aren't many frills. If you have sufficient training to do the distance then it's really a matter of expectations. What's the venue like? Convenient? Scenic? Those are worth considering since it will be a bit of a training day feel. One thought....make sure you know the bike course just in case it's not well marked or supported w volunteers at turns. You probably won't be seeing many others out on the course. Would also confirm there is a bottle swap on the bike and number/location of water stations on the run. Otherwise you'll need to plan to carry all fluid/fuel.
2014-10-14 7:34 AM
in reply to: jareed58

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3

Originally posted by jareed58 We have a small 70.3 race coming up in November, about 120 participants. I am guessing that not all 70.3s are considered Half Ironmans? Do they have to sanction them? Just wondering if I should do the small one or try to find a official HIM. For your first HIM, would you prefer a larger venue?

The term 70.3 and Ironman are legally protected by WTC (the corporation that owns Ironman).

Non-Ironman 70.3 branded races still cover 70.3 miles of distance so it's still an official half iron distance race.

2014-10-14 8:56 AM
in reply to: jareed58

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
There are many great "non-ironman" branded races of all distances. Enjoy and good luck.
2014-10-14 3:21 PM
in reply to: jareed58

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
I just did my first 70.3 this summer and went back and forth with whether or not I wanted to do a branded race. In the end I decided I didn't care that much, and wanted to save the money, so I went with a local, off-brand race.

It wasn't quite as small as yours -- about 250 did the 70.3 distance, and another 150 or so did the full distance, the half and full aquabikes and the half and full duathlons. Personally, I prefer small races as I tend to get overwhelmed with the people and logistics of a big one, but I can see how the adrenaline and activity of a large race would be exciting.

I still did 70.3 which is pretty bada$$, but no, it was not a "half-Ironman" TM. In the end it's all about preference -- what do YOU want to do?
2014-10-14 4:01 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
I did my first the other day. I chose to do an IM branded race because I wanted all the people and fanfare and crowds. A race with 150 participants is not going to get a lot of fan support. That is one of the things I enjoy about the race. I also loved the days leading up and all the extra events and people gathering together and getting hyped up for such a big event (to me).

Also, It was so hot and hilly in Las Vegas that I don't think I would have finished if I wasn't bonding with 1000 other miserable people on the run!

Edited by Bradleykd 2014-10-14 4:02 PM


2014-10-16 2:24 PM
in reply to: Bradleykd

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3

I did my first 1/2 distance in Sept.  It was very small-less than 160 people.  I wished it was bigger.  As someone mentioned; it gets mighty lonely out there.  I rode for almost 2 hours without having ANY contact with another racer/support staff.  HAVE FUN!  GOOD LUCK!

2014-10-17 8:55 AM
in reply to: jeffnboise

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Subject: RE: Thinking about stepping up to 70.3
I did my first 70.3 distance event this summer. It was not an ironman branded event. The race company had eveything from a Sprint to a HIM distance but only about 100 people in the HIM. While the last of the bike was a bit solitary I did not mind. I was racing myself and the occasional racer in the distance was just a marker for me to catch. The run was 2 out and backs so the course was crowded the entire time.

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