Lake Caroll Triathlon - September 19th

I did this race last year.  It was the first year they had it.  Really nice location, but kinda poorly put together.  I think I have a race report on it.  The RD has already made some changes and vowed that this year would be better.  If I weren't injured, I'd probably be doing it again.

As far as the course goes, it's pretty nice.  The bike is pretty hilly so be prepared for that.  

Good luck! 

Like Jeebus said, hilly bike course, but not mountainous, just rolling up and down right around the lake.

Last years run course was on ATV trails and super muddy, but this year that is being changed.

It's a nice lake to swim, but the start was delayed last year to wait for the fog to clear, a local said the fog was quite common, so could be th same.

It's too close to my other races or I'd definately do it again.

I was wondering ... this will be my (and my husband's) first triathlon.  For those who were in it last year, were wetsuits allowed or needed.  I didn't see anything in the evenet information about wetsuits.  I did see 2 photos of people exiting the water and neither had on wetsuits. 

Thanks for any info. 

Last year being the first year left room for improvement.  Running off road on a muddy quad trail really sucked.  The organizer knew it but couldnt change it.  The start time has been pushed back to 9.  That should eliminate the fog and sunrise problems.  The water last year wasn't bad.  I wore a wetsuit for the bouancy rather than warmth.    For this year they just got 14 plus inches of rain so there is no way of telling if the water will warm back up.  Also, one of the main roads of the bike route was washed  away by said rains.  There are alternate routes but the course as posted will probably change.  Either way, it was fun and Im looking forward to this race again.

I'm sure wetsuits will be allowed, if you have one proly plan to wear it.

I'm thinking about doing this--I was also wondering about wetsuits. I haven't ever swum in one and was hoping to put it off until next summer when I try Oly distance. Is there a place where one can check the average temps of the lake on that day in previous years? I know nothing about that lake--is it deep? Clean water & sand? It's a beach start, right?

It also seems a bit expensive for a new event that had such mixed reviews about the organization last year--I'm still getting used to plunking down more than $50 for a race, and this one is $85. It does seem that some of the things people didn't like last year got fixed (the run is on a road now instead of muddy trails), but is there something here that makes it really worth it? Cool goody bags? Really nice prizes? Awesome shirts?  Other than just being the last shot of the season...

hmmmmm...I'd like to get another Olympic under my belt and this one is only 2.5 hours away. How hilly are we talking the course is? Worse than the Evergreen tri? (which was around 800ft ascention gain)

Too try answer the last 2 posts I will do my best.  I think I mapped the ride on map my run and the ascention (sp?) was over 1000 ft.  I havent done Evergreen but I would compare it to the Galena Tri as far as the hills.  A couple of long hills but many sharp up and downs.  Not hard to hit 30 plus mph on the downhills then get hit doing 6 mph goin up.  The goody bags were not too "goody"  Shirts were neat but not "awesome".   The lake is generally clear to see down to 8 to 10 feet.  We have had lots or rain so the water is green, visible to about 4-5 feet.  Deepest point is 50 ft plus, and right around the turn around of the swim portion.  Swam yesterday without a wetsuit and it was wonderful.  Warm water on the surface and face but about a foot under it was nice and cool.  Being my home away from home I am willing to give this another shot.  The race director last year knew of the first year problems.  He said he was given the race after another director quit mid year.  Il take his word and give it another shot,  if its not better year 3 will not include me.  Hope that helps!

It is hilly, but's about a road version of Palos!
It didn't suit many train on the uber flat corn field road riders, but for us MTBers it was perfect!