Culpepper or Luray Olympic/International

I too am on the fence between the two.  I read a couple of race reports on here about last year's Culpepper and they said the heat was brutal.   I imagine anything in Virginia in August will be about the same.  I am leaning towards Culpepper because it is earlier in the month and I wanted to start concentrating on the Marine Corp marathon training right after that.  Good luck with your decision.

BUMP.

I didn't know about Culpepper until this thread.

(1) Anyone interested in collaborating resources (eg, transportation/gas)? I don't know how that would work out (I'm in Falls Church).

(2) What about either selling out? Anyone have any info on that?

I am in Bristow/Gainesville area. The Culpepper International I think is only in its second year so I am not sure about it selling out. I plan on paying this week I hope. If anyone wants to work something out I am game.

I've done the Culpeper races since 2008, and last year was the first time it was a heat-sufferfest.  As you said, though, it will be the same anywhere in Virginia.  

Doing Culpeper is like "coming home" for me.  Even with that hill on the run, I just love that race.

I've done the Culpeper races since 2008, and last year was the first time it was a heat-sufferfest.  As you said, though, it will be the same anywhere in Virginia.  

Doing Culpeper is like "coming home" for me.  Even with that hill on the run, I just love that race.

i committed to the Culpeper and registered.

Hope I will be ready for the challenging course

The swim is flat :-)  Seriously, the water is great, no weeds.

The start/end of the bike is a little tricky: it's at the top of a hill above transition, with a sharp turn 100 feet after the mount line, so no flying mounts or dismounts (unless you're REALLY brave and REALLY fast).   Just after the sharp turn there's a decent grade hill for about 1/4 mile.  You'll notice the hill on the bike; you'll curse the hill on the run.  Still the overall bike course is beautiful, and you'll spend a good amount of time in aero: rolling terrain with a few fun descents and a REALLY nice section on the back stretch (smooth road, slight downhill) where you can get aero and hammer away.  End of the course is a long downhill to that sharp turn I mentioned: don't take that sharp turn too fast or you'll go down (my wife has seen carnage in the past).

Run: the run on the levee past the lake is just beautiful, great way to start/end the run.  Plenty of aid stations, and the only sunny (hot) part is on that hill I mentioned.  Good news is that you have a great downhill to finish the race.

I highly recommend "It's About Thyme" restaurant in center of town for some awesome dinner the night before, followed by the ice cream/soda fountain shop across the street.

Thank you. Very helpful!