General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2009-11-09 3:57 PM

Expert
821
500100100100
Golden, CO
Subject: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

So is Ironman now sponsoring all of the races in the country?  I just went to the Spirit of Racine to look for the 1/2 ironman as well as the woman's only race that my wife participated in last year and found that it is now an "Ironman" race.  It appears as though the fees have been raised and the sprint and women's only sprint race are now gone.  If I am wrong about this please let me know since my wife wants to do the sprint.  Anyway, my question is whether the Ironman races are that much better run that they can charge more or whether it is just the name.  Hopefully they are keeping the sprints for Racine but if they are not I think that is a mistake for the community.  It was fun with everyone being able to participate on the same weekend and I thought Racine was extremely well run.  Yes I am whining.  My wife and I are from Racine and we planned vacations back to visit the family around that weekend so we could both participate.



2009-11-09 4:00 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
Darn it.  I really wanted to do this race too. 
2009-11-09 4:10 PM
in reply to: #2505537

Iron Donkey
38643
50005000500050005000500050002000100050010025
, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

We discussed that in the WI forum:
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=183981&posts=71&start=1

I'm sure one of the bigger things was getting the swim to the true distance since it was noticeably short the last couple of years.

Many of our group (Donkai) will now attend the Door County tri because of the cost difference.



Edited by 1stTimeTri 2009-11-09 4:10 PM
2009-11-09 4:28 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

Seems anti-trust laws should be coming into play soon -- how many IM races are there left that aren't IM branded?

2009-11-09 4:30 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
They've been "buying up" a lot of races this year it seems. I'm not sure that is either a good thing or a bad thing. I've done both IM-branded 70.3 and non-branded 70.3s. They are all equally good races, just different atmospheres in each. Some would say you get more with an IM-branded race (thus the higher entry fee)... others would disagree.

What was the race fee in years past? I have paid over $200 for both the branded and non-branded 70.3s, so was wondering if the fee hike was substantial, or nominal.

It does suck that they've eliminated the extra races, but my guess is that they are focusing on what they do best.
 
2009-11-09 4:46 PM
in reply to: #2505609

User image

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
skarl - 2009-11-09 4:28 PM

Seems anti-trust laws should be coming into play soon -- how many IM races are there left that aren't IM branded?



It would take a lot more than buying up most of the races to invoke anti-trust laws, especially since they are providing no barriers to entry for competitors and charging substantially more than other races. If anything, they are opening the doors for greater competition by charging "exorbitant" prices.

I feel the trend will continue as long as athletes are willing to pay those higher prices for perceived and actual benefits of doing the branded races. Same thing is happening in the marathon world with the R'n'R series taking over races. I think the price of Mardi Gras Marathon doubled, plus they are changing the course significantly.


2009-11-09 4:57 PM
in reply to: #2505613

User image

Extreme Veteran
430
10010010010025
Madison, WI
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
lisac957 - 2009-11-09 4:30 PM They've been "buying up" a lot of races this year it seems. I'm not sure that is either a good thing or a bad thing. I've done both IM-branded 70.3 and non-branded 70.3s. They are all equally good races, just different atmospheres in each. Some would say you get more with an IM-branded race (thus the higher entry fee)... others would disagree.

What was the race fee in years past? I have paid over $200 for both the branded and non-branded 70.3s, so was wondering if the fee hike was substantial, or nominal.

It does suck that they've eliminated the extra races, but my guess is that they are focusing on what they do best.
 
I believe SOR was $90 last year, so without any significant changes, this seems like quite a price hike. I'll probably end up doing it though. :/
2009-11-09 5:39 PM
in reply to: #2505537

Expert
821
500100100100
Golden, CO
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

I just liked the atmosphere of SOR and the offering of the sprint races it was very friendly to newbies and family friendly.  Considering there are not a lot of sprint races in Wisconsin it seemed like a great fit.  I'm also concerned whether the type of person entering the event will change. I happened upon a thread on the slowtwitch site and they were all psyched that the Ironman name and fee hike will keep the newbies away. I enjoyed the atmosphere last year and don't want the race to become filled with self absorbed wankers.  (I am hoping that I am wrong about this). 

2009-11-09 7:35 PM
in reply to: #2505631

User image

Elite
3471
200010001001001001002525
Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
the bear - 2009-11-09 3:46 PM
skarl - 2009-11-09 4:28 PM

Seems anti-trust laws should be coming into play soon -- how many IM races are there left that aren't IM branded?



It would take a lot more than buying up most of the races to invoke anti-trust laws, especially since they are providing no barriers to entry for competitors and charging substantially more than other races. If anything, they are opening the doors for greater competition by charging "exorbitant" prices.

I feel the trend will continue as long as athletes are willing to pay those higher prices for perceived and actual benefits of doing the branded races. Same thing is happening in the marathon world with the R'n'R series taking over races. I think the price of Mardi Gras Marathon doubled, plus they are changing the course significantly.

Yes, RnR bought the Denver marathon for 2010, too.  I hope the high price of branded races encourages competition and we see more marathons and IMs, but I'm skeptical.
2009-11-10 10:50 AM
in reply to: #2505699

User image

Expert
721
500100100
Chenequa WI
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
jdbadger - 2009-11-09 5:39 PM

I just liked the atmosphere of SOR and the offering of the sprint races it was very friendly to newbies and family friendly.  Considering there are not a lot of sprint races in Wisconsin it seemed like a great fit.  I'm also concerned whether the type of person entering the event will change. I happened upon a thread on the slowtwitch site and they were all psyched that the Ironman name and fee hike will keep the newbies away. I enjoyed the atmosphere last year and don't want the race to become filled with self absorbed wankers.  (I am hoping that I am wrong about this). 



Not a lot of Sprints in WI?  'You can't swing a dead cat around here during the season and not hit a Sprint race.

2009-11-10 10:57 AM
in reply to: #2505609

User image

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
skarl - 2009-11-09 4:28 PM

Seems anti-trust laws should be coming into play soon -- how many IM races are there left that aren't IM branded?



Well, since IM, as in IRONMAN, is the brand, we have to use the acronym IMD races (Ironman Distance Races) for anything else. The power WTC weilds is in the name IRONMAN. Unless folks decide to put less value on the brand name, WTC will have the best attended races.


2009-11-10 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2505647

User image

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
tetchypoo - 2009-11-09 4:57 PM
lisac957 - 2009-11-09 4:30 PM They've been "buying up" a lot of races this year it seems. I'm not sure that is either a good thing or a bad thing. I've done both IM-branded 70.3 and non-branded 70.3s. They are all equally good races, just different atmospheres in each. Some would say you get more with an IM-branded race (thus the higher entry fee)... others would disagree.

What was the race fee in years past? I have paid over $200 for both the branded and non-branded 70.3s, so was wondering if the fee hike was substantial, or nominal.

It does suck that they've eliminated the extra races, but my guess is that they are focusing on what they do best.
 
I believe SOR was $90 last year, so without any significant changes, this seems like quite a price hike. I'll probably end up doing it though. :/


$90 for a 70.3 distance race? That's pretty awesome.
So the price hike will more than double the previous entry fee I assume?
2009-11-10 11:34 AM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Master
2355
20001001001002525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
I'm one of those guys that prefer a regular ol HIM to a 70.3. I like my smaller local races, what can I say. I'll always go with a local race over doing a IM branded race if they were to fall on the same week.
2009-11-10 11:36 AM
in reply to: #2506853

User image

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
smilford - 2009-11-10 11:34 AM

I'm one of those guys that prefer a regular ol HIM



BZZZZZZZZ! You can't call it a Half IRONMAN!! See, that's the whole point, they OWN IRONMAN, the word, as it applies to a triathlon. They've already won!
2009-11-10 11:39 AM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Pro
5761
50005001001002525
Bartlett, TN
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

I have friends that want to do a 70.3 with me next year, but they are only willing to do IM branded races. To me it makes me no difference as long as the distances are 70.3.

2009-11-10 11:40 AM
in reply to: #2506857

User image

Master
2355
20001001001002525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
bryancd - 2009-11-10 11:36 AM

smilford - 2009-11-10 11:34 AM

I'm one of those guys that prefer a regular ol HIM



BZZZZZZZZ! You can't call it a Half IRONMAN!! See, that's the whole point, they OWN IRONMAN, the word, as it applies to a triathlon. They've already won!


I'll just have to do sprints then. I can live with that! I have a better chance of beating old farts like you in sprints anyway.

Edited by smilford 2009-11-10 11:41 AM


2009-11-10 11:45 AM
in reply to: #2506870

User image

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
It's like "The Knights Who Say Ni!" skit when they find out the word "it" hurts them and then they can't stop saying "it"! That's IRONMAN!
2009-11-10 11:48 AM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Master
2355
20001001001002525
Houston, TX
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
No, stop it! Don't say the word!
2009-11-10 12:07 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Veteran
290
100100252525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
Going forward we can call the non-Ironman races ID and HID races. ID can be Iron Distance, and it can stand for Irondude. I'm ok with being an Irondude instead of an Ironman.
2009-11-10 12:16 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Elite
3489
20001000100100100100252525
Lakewood, CO
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
Then there is the term "Long Course" - but it doesn't really give you a hint of the actual distance, always assumed it was 1.2 - 56 -13.1

As for WTC taking over the "above OLY" world.  Yeah I was finally going to target 5430 Long Course then they went and sold to WTC.  Now I really don't want to go do it...

Or can I not say 'OLY' because the IOC has that one trademarked ?
2009-11-10 12:16 PM
in reply to: #2506952

User image

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
InsainoDwayno - 2009-11-10 12:07 PM

Going forward we can call the non-Ironman races ID and HID races. ID can be Iron Distance, and it can stand for Irondude. I'm ok with being an Irondude instead of an Ironman.


Well, we should be more inclusive, so I say IP...Iron People.


2009-11-10 12:31 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Master
1848
100050010010010025
Canandaigua
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine

As long as they sellout in a matter of minutes then they will have the profit margin to buy up and shut down the competion. 

2009-11-10 12:34 PM
in reply to: #2505537

User image

Extreme Veteran
1942
100050010010010010025
In front of computer when typing this.
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
jdbadger - 2009-11-09 4:57 PM

So is Ironman now sponsoring all of the races in the country?  I just went to the Spirit of Racine to look for the 1/2 ironman as well as the woman's only race that my wife participated in last year and found that it is now an "Ironman" race.  It appears as though the fees have been raised and the sprint and women's only sprint race are now gone.  If I am wrong about this please let me know since my wife wants to do the sprint.  Anyway, my question is whether the Ironman races are that much better run that they can charge more or whether it is just the name.  Hopefully they are keeping the sprints for Racine but if they are not I think that is a mistake for the community.  It was fun with everyone being able to participate on the same weekend and I thought Racine was extremely well run.  Yes I am whining.  My wife and I are from Racine and we planned vacations back to visit the family around that weekend so we could both participate.



I live in North Carolina. We don't have a single Ironman branded race, but have two large event companies that put on a lot of triathlons in the summer (well over 30 if I make a rough guess). These include several half iron distance (being careful here...not calling em ironman races) and a full iron distance event. Their prices are pretty decent ($120 for the half I did last year) and they tend to sell out/come close to selling out most events. However, if you ever want to qualify for Kona/Clearwater you have to travel out of state. For those of us who are nowhere close to that it works out just fine.
2009-11-10 12:35 PM
in reply to: #2506980

User image

Extreme Veteran
1942
100050010010010010025
In front of computer when typing this.
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
bryancd - 2009-11-10 1:16 PM
InsainoDwayno - 2009-11-10 12:07 PM Going forward we can call the non-Ironman races ID and HID races. ID can be Iron Distance, and it can stand for Irondude. I'm ok with being an Irondude instead of an Ironman.
Well, we should be more inclusive, so I say IP...Iron People.


To be fair, we should further qualify that with "Iron People who sing ABBA out loud"...
2009-11-10 12:37 PM
in reply to: #2506979

User image

Alpharetta, Georgia
Bronze member
Subject: RE: "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine
peto_primo - 2009-11-10 12:16 PM
As for WTC taking over the "above OLY" world.  Yeah I was finally going to target 5430 Long Course then they went and sold to WTC.  Now I really don't want to go do it...



Why? Is it just the cost?
I don't get all the bagging on the Iron-brand. They put on good races, IMO.
 
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "Ironman" Brand Races / Spirit of Racine Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2