Subject: RE: Hy-Vee Triathlon : Official Thread I've done the Age Group Hy Vee tri twice and last year I did the 5150 US Championships. Same exact course for both races. In fact, the pros do the same course as the rest of us too. It's a great event. I think there was 2,500 + people two years ago but I don't remember. The swim start is about 1/2 mile walk around the lake from transition which is no big deal because transition closes quite a bit before the race even starts. I like how everything is at Grey's lake for the spectators, but with them starting the pros first we (athletes) don't get to watch them race like we have in the past. Wetsuits: 2 of the last 3 years, the water temp dropped at least 3 degrees going from non-legal to legal. People were scrambling all over the place try to get their weitsuits. I just brought mine with me, and I always do, and I was fine. Better to have and not need...... I always say. Last year it was not wetsuit legal. I think the Men 35-39 wave had about 40 guys in the swim wave and it was rough at first. Run in from the beach. Dolphin dive. Heel to the face..... LOL. The Age Group race is more of a Time trial start as described above. 3-5 peole enter the the water every 10 seconds or so. It goes very fast. The bike course has some decent hills and some of the roads are rough, especially when you come out of Water Works park. There are also several technical turns. Thankfully the turns occur in smooth parts of the course, but you need to keep your eyes down the road. The $100 is not a bad price tag considering you get a Bike Jersey, Back Pack, and a hat ,and sometimes some other nice swag. I now have 3 Hy Vee triathlon back packs that each of my kids use so that's not too bad. The expo is good if you are in the market for stuff. Lot's of samples and very cheap prices on nutrition too. I love this race and I'm looking forward to it. Been battling a leg issue all summer so my expectations are not high but still hoping to qualify for the 5150 US Championships next year. Good luck everyone!!! |