Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3

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2006-10-05 1:41 PM

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Subject: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
So Im going to do a Half next year, and was looking online to register for one, and I noticed on the Ironman 70.3 page that some arent open for registration yet, and some are still registering. I know for the full Ironman you pretty much have to sign up the day after this years... I take it its not the same for the 70.3, and I didnt really say anything about when registration will be open... am I missing something here?


2006-10-05 1:48 PM
in reply to: #561794

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3

The 70.3 races are largely run by independent RDs.  Their registration opens whenever the RD decides to do it--has nothing to do with WTC.

None of those races sell out as fast as IMs, though the 70.3 races seem to be selling out faster than they did before they got the 70.3 "tag".  But there's really no reason to choose a 70.3 over any other HIM unless you really want to try to race at Clearwater.  There are plenty of quality HIM races that are not in the 70.3 series.  Of course there's nothing particularly wrong with many of the 70.3 races either--just don't limit yourself to them unless Clearwater is your goal.

2006-10-05 1:52 PM
in reply to: #561794

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
What John said. I did one of each this year and while both races were very well run, in some ways the HIM was preferable. I'd have a hard time justifying paying the premium for a 'brand' name race now.
2006-10-06 1:21 PM
in reply to: #561794

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
No doubt there are a lot of great 1/2 IM races to choose from.

Personally, I chose Eagleman 70.3 for my first, for a couple of reasons:

1. I've heard a lot a positive feedback on what a well-run event it is.

2. A half-iron is a big commitment of time and understanding from my family. Who knows, I may never do another. If so, I want the one I do to have the biggest "buzz" about it -- so the "IM 70.3" label, and the big field (1600) are part of the attraction. Not logical I suppose, but there you have it.
2006-10-06 1:39 PM
in reply to: #562921

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3

kenail - 2006-10-06 1:21 PM A half-iron is a big commitment of time and understanding from my family. Who knows, I may never do another. If so, I want the one I do to have the biggest "buzz" about it -- so the "IM 70.3" label, and the big field (1600) are part of the attraction. Not logical I suppose, but there you have it.

See, but EagleMan was recognized as a great half-iron BEFORE it got "stamped" with 70.3 last year (at least recognized as one that fielded strong competition--the course itself is not all that interesting from what I gather).  Some of the 70.3 races are very good halfs in their own right (and were long before they were 70.3s).  But there is no added "buzz" at an IM 70.3 versus another HIM.   

2006-10-06 1:51 PM
in reply to: #561794

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
Not disputing Eagleman's quality or long heritage at all, nor to suggest that it doesn't have the right "buzz" if it isn't an IM 70.3 event.

Rather, for the options that were near me, it was the most appealing in 1.) Its reputation, 2.) The size of the field and the "IM" branding -- I didn't say it was logical, it's just what appealed to me. And like I said, I may only ever do one.

FWIW, when I run marathons I enjoy smaller races much more than big events like Marine Corps., and I'm usually very resistant to corporate branding...

2006-10-06 2:54 PM
in reply to: #562962

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Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
kenail - 2006-10-06 1:51 PM

Rather, for the options that were near me, it was the most appealing in 1.) Its reputation, 2.) The size of the field and the "IM" branding -- I didn't say it was logical, it's just what appealed to me. And like I said, I may only ever do one.
  • ..


    • I think you hit the nail on the head. it's all about what appeals to you.

    Personally, I stayed away from Eagleman because I preferred a smaller race where it seemed like the athletes were more there simply for the race itself and not the hoopla. Like you said, some people like the hoopla.

    But for Eagleman, it also sounds like a difficult race which I wouldn't recommend for a first HIM. The swim is tough - with the current, choppy waves, jellyfish. The bike is windy. And the run is hot with no shade. Those were reasons enough for me to opt out.
    2006-10-06 3:10 PM
    in reply to: #563023

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    Subject: RE: Half Iron, or Ironman 70.3
    runnerx - 2006-10-06 3:54 PM



    But for Eagleman, it also sounds like a difficult race which I wouldn't recommend for a first HIM.


    Hey, I've gotta earn that "Ironman" badge, right?

    Good luck at Devilman!
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