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Post by Steve Yutzy on Jul 9, 2007 12:30:40 GMT -5
As is my usual form, I never actually know what races I'm going to do until the middle of the season. I'm looking at the HFP Toyota Challenge race on September 23, and was wondering what y'all thought about this race. I should point out that this will be my first half IM race
-crowded?
-well run? (I would assume so, since HFP is pretty good)
-nice course?
I'm sure there are lots of other questions I could ask, but I'll just say if anybody has any experience with this race, I'd be interested.
Thanks
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Post by MarkD on Jul 9, 2007 13:28:34 GMT -5
Never done it, but I think its at Deer Creek State Park. If it is, do it. Deer Creek is a really cool park-set venue. Its and HFP race so you know it'll be well run...
md
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Post by trikpark on Jul 9, 2007 13:40:09 GMT -5
Often foggy in the morning, that will sometimes delay the start. Lot's of rough stone chip and seal, so not a smooth ride. And it can be very windy. No shade whatsoever on the run. That said, it's a race worth doing.
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Post by chuckm on Jul 9, 2007 21:42:59 GMT -5
I did my first 1/2 at Muncie about 10 years ago. About 600 entrants, sit down chicken dinner with a band and a formal awards ceremony. It felt like a big deal, and it was to me since it was my first half.
Last year I did the 1/2 at Deer Creek after doing the olympic distance the last few years. There were only about 200 finishers. The finish and post race activities just seemed like a let down. I had a slow race, and was one of the last to finish. With HFP doing finish line awards, there's not much reason to stick around after the race. Hard to describe, just kind of an empty feeling with so few people still there when I finished.
Deer Creek is a great venue tho, way out in the country, very little traffic. Can be quite chilly in the AM that late into Sept.
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Post by steve1835 on Jul 10, 2007 7:32:46 GMT -5
this will also be my first 1/2 IM in 15 years ( just like about everything else this year)...looking forward to it and thanks for the info..I did notice that the website says that the bike course is new this year..whatever that means...but I've heard about the fog on the swim, thus the later start?, wind on the bike and no shade on the run..anyways I'll be there with a smile..its great to back in the sport!
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Post by TimAckley on Jul 10, 2007 20:31:18 GMT -5
Steve,
The bike course is the same as last year, its pretty fast course with some light hills at the end of the loop, I belive it is still a three loop course for the half. The wind if windy makes up for the lack of height on the hills, it was really windy last year on the bike. I am going to race again this year, I really like racing at Deer Creek..... Its a great race....
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