How long will CdA stay open?

$550 is a lot, however those of us that have this silly sport in our blood seem to find a way. It is much easier for me as a local, obviously but I think it will fill up relatively fast.

I was registered by 9:30 this morning and I am an unemployed full time single Dad, suffering in this economy. Been scraping and saving to make it happen.

I think we should collectively apply for an ironman bailout!

~Mike

jazz82482 - 2009-06-23 2:14 PM

ChrisM - 2009-06-23 1:52 PM

running2far - 2009-06-23 9:36 AM CDA has never been a quick sell out...I'll say 2-3 weeks...(not including CF)

Interesting, wonder why that is?  It's early, but not that early....

And I agree IMUT has its own set of issues to deal with.

Oh Chris, you are just blessed to live in your bubble that is LA I would've agreed with that sentiment while living in San Diego, but now after moving to Michigan, I think LP is almost too early!! Winter stays until MAY. No joke, man, 6mos of snow and sub freezing temps, totally saps enthusiasm for 3-6 hour rides- either outdoors OR on the trainer. Early AM workouts? Sun doesn't come up till 8, temps only jump past 40 after noon- but not until May. Heck, mid-June and we still had early morning temps hovering around 40. I'm not a wuss, either- I marathon train all winter, outdoors, but those long bike rides would ALL have to be done on a trainer, and most people just can't stomach that- not when there are plenty of other IM options. So, CDA has to mainly draw from Cali, AZ, NM, etc, and I guess that's why it takes a while.

ah....you people in the tropics of southern Michigan don't know what winter is    My CDA training had a couple of 100 mile rides in the mid-30s in April...just put booties and a couple extra layers on

I was talking to some of the Ironman folks (people who work for Ironman).  They said that there were almost 500 no shows for this years IMCDA race.  A lot of people backed out when they lost jobs and couldn't afford to travel to the site.  They paid the race fee a year ago, but when it came time to buy plane tickets and put the final deposit in on hotel, they couldn't afford it. 

They are expecting all the Ironman events to be down this year due to people not being able to afford to travel.  The cost of the race is one thing, but to bring your family to an event can be very expenisve.   I would bet that most of the races will take a little longer to sell out then in the past.  I can't say enough good things about CDA.  The race was awesome, the people and support was unbeliveable.  If you are looking to do an early Ironman, I would highly recommend CDA.

Matt

I was definitely surprised by the low turnout at the Monday registration.  I echo the thoughts on this venue...I'll definitely return here in the next couple years.

IMFL didn't sell out last year before it went online. Took 2-3 days.

The race website reports that:

"Entries for the 2010 Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene are filling fast.

The event which will be held for the eighth time in Coeur d'Alene will take place on Sunday, June 27.

Athletes who are interested in competing in this event are urged to registered immediately to avoide being closed out. To register, or for more information, log onto"

Hype to get people to pll the trigger, maybe?

Still regular slots a week after on-line registration started, but I'd guess it'll fill sometime this week. 

1)  It's early (but not too early to get decent outdoor rides in April/May here in the midwest)
2)  It's not easy to get to
3)  People are afraid of the hills on the bike and it's a "slow" course. 

For me, the advantages were:

1)  It didn't sell out immediately.
2)  It was an excuse to travel out West and see parts of the country we've never been to (Glacier & Yellowstone)

CF =/= "Normal" entry.  I think WTC uses the CF slots to gauge demand.  Part of the reason CF slots have "languished" in the last year is they've increased the number of CF slots available.  For WTC, their optimum CF/normal allocation would have them selling every CF slot, but not until the last minute (so to speak).  Unsold CF slots represent lost revenue as they could have been sold at the "normal" rate.  An early sellout of CF slots says there is still significant demand, even at $1000, so they should raise prices.   CF slots allow them to claim "sold out" status and the artifical scarcity associated with that demand without actually "selling out" the race. 

As other's have said, the $550 race fee is just the start.  For those considering a relatively long drive to register on-site, you'll probably be close to $500 for gas, meals, and a hotel, so the extra $500 (charitable contribution) may be a good deal.