I have completed 2 full Iron distance, several ½ distance (one of them an inaugural event). I would rate the race course itself as a 6 to 7 overall. The swim was point to point with some confusing wave starts but not horrible. A very long wait for the second half of the waves ain’t a lot of fun but not a big deal. The final turn into the exit was staffed Wet suit strippers for a ½ was a first for me but very appreciated. A carpeted path to the coral was also a nice touch. T-1 had water canisters at the exit but no cups or volunteers, just sort of a cluster around the water cooler –again no big deal just something. The bike course was great – tons of safety people. I have never felt in danger at any US course I have raced but this was almost as secure as a military base. This was a great job by those who put the bike course together and to those who made it safe. T-2 was quick and I needed to make a quick pit stop and it was a tough stop – the pit was full and I thank the stats I was a stander for this stop because the pit was topped off (very nasty). The run course was hot and yes there was very few “cold” water stops but I never experienced a lack of fluids at any of the stops. The finish line was still going strong for my pass thru (I am a middle of the pack finisher). The volunteers were there for wobbly finishers, but unfortunately had little more to offer than encouragement or a quick assist out of the area. I briefly looked around for a med tent (a good place to cop some quick ice in a bag), must have missed it.
T-3 was nice and the beer was good.
Suggestions for next year (I will be there) is to have way too many pot-a-potties, family area (with even more port-a-potties) at the bike corral area with refreshments and maybe something for the kids, keep the course the same but maybe increasing the number of starters in each wave.