Great Clermont Triathlon : Official Thread

Raced the Great Clermont last year.  Its an okay race.  It did not seem that there was a very good turnout last year.

The swim start was kind of a joke.  Since the organizers didn't put up an actual start line, people were walking a few hundred meters down the beach to cut off the distance before they got in the water.  Also its a 2 lap swim which IMO sucks because you get your heartrate way up when finish the first lap then run down the beach to start the second.

The bike is challenging like most races in Clermont.

The run is on the trail at Lake Minneola and is also 2 laps.  I only recall one aid station, which is probably all you need. 

Thanks for the comments.  It is a C race for me anyway so I guess I will sign up.

Wait a minute, One aid station x 2 laps for a HIM? or was this a Sprint race?

Olympic Distance

They have both a sprint and Oly.  IIRC the Oly did 2 laps on the swim, had a longer bike in that the sprint turned around after so many miles while the Oly continued on for a while before the turn around, and 2 laps on the run.  Can't recall how many water stations, but think there was one near transition and one at the run 5k turn around, so Oly would hit it twice.

I did the sprint and was not ready for the Clermont hills.  Not decided if I'll do it again this year, but probably will do the sprint again to prep for St. Anthony's. 

I am signing up for this just waiting to get the funds I hear that the bike is horable so needless to say i am looking forward to it. 

And i am already signed up for the disney.  My fisrt HIM and OLY. 


see you all there

Edited by 1badbare 2010-12-06 10:39 PM

Hello everyone. I just want to take a moment to address some of the points that have been made about the 2010 Great Clermont Triathlon.

Swim Course:
It is correct that we did not have an actual chute for every one to file through in order to enter Lake Minneola. We do allow our participants to spread out along the shore line. The actual difference in course length is very slim. Yes, the swim is two laps. Some people run back down the beach after their first lap, others head back to a safe depth to start swimming. It is personal preference as to which method a participant choses. We encourage everyone to simply go back in to the water and head back out on the swim course, whether you walk in the water to a safe depth to swim, or high step, etc, it is up to you.

Bike Course: Because we have some of the highest points in all of Florida, we love to include them on our bike courses. We prove that Florida is not flat, yet make the bike course accessible to varying levels of triathletes.

Run Course: For the Great Clermont Triathlon, participants were able to obtain water every mile.

Hope this clears up some of the issues that I have been reading about.

just signed up see you guys there hope we are all ready for the hills. 

I did the Sprint last year as my first ever tri.  I stunk.  The course was fine but I wasn't.  Issue with the swim, bike was OK as was the run but I was so slow.  I'll probably finish the Oly this year close to what I did for the sprint last year.  I did finish 3rd in my age group though (OK there were only 3 in my age group as most others did the Oly).  Never did get the medal - they said they ran out.  But, I really don't care as it was a survivors medal

The swim is fine but yea, 2 loops.  Last year it was COLD - for me anyway.  People did try to get a straight line on the start and that's OK if everyone is allowed to do it. Water should be mid 60's this year too.  Once you exit the water most people ran down the beach to get a straight shot for the second loop.  

I actually walked up one hill last year on the bike.  You turned a corner and went straight up.  OK, at least it seemed that steep last year.  First month riding and had new pedals.  I was going so slow and I didn't want to fall over.

Run was fine.  There is water at the start and the turnaround so you get water about every 1.5 mi.  Not an issue. 

The after party wasn't much to speak of.  I though there would be a big food tent, etc.  I was a bit disappointed.  Plan on going to lunch afterward.  Never did get any of the "BBQ"  I could have been delirious too.

I am signed up for the Oly this year.  Should be a lot of fun.  Couple of more bathrooms would be nice but otherwise a pretty good race. 

enjoy,
Duane

Is everybody ready I am pumped to get this under my belt in preperation for my HIM in May.  Also if the food sucks after words does anyone want to get lunch. 

Course maps for the 2011 Great Clermont Triathlon Weekend of events (tri, du, and TriKidz) are online at www.ClermontTriathlon.com

Registration closes at 11:59PM Friday, March 25th.

See you on the beach.

Mark

Edited by TriMarkL 2011-03-21 8:51 PM

Looking foward to racing again although be in slow!  The weather should be outstanding.  A good day- I think!

Looking foward to racing again although be in slow!  The weather should be outstanding.  A good day- I think!

Does anyone know the water temperature in the lake right now?  I read its supposed to warm up in the area.

Edited by takeover23 2011-03-23 3:47 PM

I called up there earlyer this week and they said that the lake was cold and that wet suites would likely be allowed so bring it. 

Edited by 1badbare 2011-03-23 7:30 PM

Thanks for the response

1badbare: You quoted the reply pretty well.

Everyone, I was at Waterfront Park this morning for a toe test (up to my knees) and though I won't say any type of water temp, if you have a wetsuit, bring it. You can always test the water and decide to leave it in your car.

 

Mark

Edited by TriMarkL 2011-03-24 1:11 PM

My first Clermont race.
Fantastic. I'd compare it to the Sebring race.
Well run: Lots of volunteers, organized in every detail, water at every mile and gatorade/water bottles at the turnaround on the olympic bike, ample rack space, clear directions, roads clear, run path lovely.
I had never ridden over a hill as an adult on a bicycle prior to this race. What a great bike course with hills! My legs are still sore, but what a rush on the descents.

Thanks for such a great venue and race.
steve

This was a great race. My first olympic distance and it was great. Those hills where a welcome challange and the run was nice and flat. Good bit of nutrition throughout and a pretty nice expo. With lots to eat and drink at the finish.

I to thought it was a good race.  It was well organized, good support, and the weather was outstanding.  This was a good kickoff to the triathle season here in Florida.