Non Ironman Ironman races

[Aussie Rob]

I was just curious to see if any of you had raced non M-DOT ironman races and what you thought of them? If you have, can you recommend some good ones inside about a 10 hour drive? Whats the difference between the offical Ironman races, and a USAT sanctioned iron distance race aside from the MDOT logo everywhere and Mike Reilly announcing that "you are an ironman!"?

I want to do 140.6 late next year, and at first i wanted to do wisconsin, but the budget just isn't healthy enough for it. I may still be able to afford Florida in time, but wanted to explore the other options out there as well.

Thanks for any advice/info.

[Deirdre]

Rob - a couple friends did ChesapeakeMan in Cambridge, MD last year and loved it. The race director is the same guy from Eagleman which is an Ironman 70.3 race, so he definitely knows what he is doing. It is under 6 hours drive.

Hope this helps!

[Aussie Rob]

It does, cheers!

Just want to get a short list together of viable races should the funds fall short in time for IM Florida. I don't necessarily need Mike Reilly's validation at the end, although it would be cool to hear it like on TV

[ddoren]

Another question, how fast did Florida fill up last year, will fill up as quickly as IMLP did a couple weeks ago (around 10 minutes online)? Thoughts?

[cat]

IMFL filled in about 45 min on-line. I think it took me about 30 min to get registered & I was on as soon as registration opened (81 days to go)

[timritt]

great floridian is 2 weeks before IMFL and early entry is about $250. Race venue is nice but crowd support is very sparse. bike course was pretty hard lots of steep hills. race does not have the bells and whistles of the ironman races. i will be paying the $475 for my next few races before i do another non mdot race. they are worth the extra $. The entrance fee is nothing compared to lodging at some races so pick an im race that has affordable lodging.

tr

[Nathan]

The Desoto American TTT - 140.8 miles of racing over about a 36 hour period (4 races - a little over 3 miles of swimming, 27.2 miles of running and the rest on the bike). This race was far more difficult for me than Ironman USA. It is over Memorial Weekend every year. I did both this year so they are both quite fresh in my mind.

Entry fee was only $150 if you signed up early. And it was sold out by December.

[Aussie Rob]

I was looking around to see what else was out there, and i found a couple that look interesting and wondered if any of you knew anything about them. Tim, Dave if you're reading this take a look and next time i see you we'll talk about it if you're still willing to consider non MDOT races.

Redman in OK - www.redmantriathlon.com/ - is USAT sanctioned and the course is extrememly flat apparently, PR flat.

The Great Illini Challenge - www.mattoonbeachtri.com/GreatIllini/index.html - also USAT sanctioned, but my initial impression isn't that good to be honest.

Then there is ChesapeakeMan in Cambridge that Deirdre mentioned - www.tricolumbia.org/chesapeakeman.asp - looks very slick, and even now doesn't sppear full. Best kept secret in the east?

Anything any of you can tell me would be helpful. Ta.

[ddoren]

Rob,
Give me a call to discuss, leaning towards IM Wisconsin, but want your thoughts 216-407-3388

[Charlie]

Rob, Nice and UK don't fill as quickly as NAmerica or Central europe IM races.

Lodging (camping)in UK was $80 for 5 days. Airfaire was $850. Train to Sherborne was RTrip $140
Total=$1080 for transport and lodging.

My guess is this is cheaper than or equel to any North American IM.