3D (3 Disappointments)

I have raced triathlon in Michigan for the last 10 years, each year competing in multiple events run by 3D. Up until 2010, they were THE main triathlon organizers in Michigan (with the exception of Elite Endeavors (out of the Sylvania, Ohio area). Having raced with them for many years, I feel my perspective is credible. Starting in sprints and Olympic distance events I was impressed with 3D's organization. Their courses were usually marked well (one exception: while driving the bike course a day early we had to correct the RD as he started marking the wrong road). My one complaint early on with 3D was the negative tone the RD had on race day while making general announcements (I realize RDs have to be blunt as many people don't listen to instructions, but his directions were condescending). I believe he has been receptive to feedback, as the last few years the RD has mellowed (yes I do know the RD's name but choose not to use it).

As my triathlon racing has grown, I have been able to compete beyond 3D's circuit. While participating in many more races, I have started to look at the value you get from a triathlon race entry fee, including the little things that bring me back to a race. Here is where 3D has fallen short in recent years.

1. Price Structure: The best discount 3D offers is to sign-up for events by new years eve prior to the racing year. Problem? They still haven't completed their race calendar. Most race companies have rolling deadlines (i.e. price increases 3 months, 2 months, 1 month from race day). 3D has 1-2 deadlines for all races combined. Yes, this means the same price increase date for a May race and October race. They attempt to rectify by offering a last minute $10 off when they realize very few have signed up. They have also attempted a few price-saving gimmicks but if you carefully look, actually don't save $$. Their explanation involves wanting to purchase all of their materials at one time (i.e. race t-shirts).

2. Course Officiating: Bike-drafting is essentially LEGAL in 3D events, as they will not pay for anything beyond one of their own trucks to drive the course (as they move volunteers and equipment). The RD didn't even bother mentioning it this weekend at Lumberman. I have had mini-peletons pass in all but one 3D event.

3. Volunteers: 3D offers school/community groups the chance to give time to help and in return donate $ back to your program. I found this is subject to their finances however. I brought in an identical student group to volunteer for an event in 2 separate years. The donation in year 2 was 50% of the year 1 donation. We decided to give our time and efforts to other causes afterwards. I have read earlier posts complaining about volunteers. Understand that 3D's race management is responsible for improperly training these volunteers.

4. Amenities: Three words: ON THE CHEAP. Finishers medals to all participants sounds good. However, the $1.50 Crown award medals are hardly rewarding, and exactly alike from race to race with the exception of the sticker showing the race name. 3D used to give a unique finishers race towel or 3D water bottle instead of the cheap medal. Why switch from a unique, free-advertising and promoting award...because it is cheaper. Most racers don't care about swim caps, and I rarely do. However, I was plain yellow swim cap when racing a 70.3 this past weekend at Lumberman. Why the switch...it is cheaper. 3D irresponsibly bought t-shirts without sampling them, resulting in a massive t-shirt SNAFU this year. They kindly offered to switch t-shirts as long as you came to another of their events and brought your original kid-sized shirt. Why settle for inferior product? C-H-E-A-P. How else can you organize a cheap race? I recently organized a 5K fun run for my church and was able to get Road ID race bibs for FREE. Guess what race bibs 3D uses for ALL tri's this year??? Yep...the exact same FREE bibs.

5. Post-Race Food/Drink: During the last 2-3 years, I have stuck with Olympic or Half-Iron distance events. This year as I have crossed the finish line, 3D has either run out of food or had slim-pickings. I am convinced 3D caters to newer triathletes who mainly race sprints. While on one hand this draws new sprint athletes that might return, it discourages others like myself who will not. Last month at the Big Fish Tri, I finished the Olympic tri to find a picked over food table with a few pieces of pizza left (no I was not the last finisher....rather just over 2:30 for an Olympic). Imagine you have just raced 5+ hours in a 70.3, have crossed the finish line dehydrated, and find only water and a kiddie-pool with a dozen warm colas. When asked where the electrolyte drinks were (HEED, Gatorade, etc), you are told "we ran out". With all due respect to beginning triathletes or those specializing in sprints...you cannot treat someone racing an Olympic or longer distance the same as a sprint athlete. Why didn't they hold back electrolyte drinks or cold drinks for longer distance athletes? ??

6. Transition Security: As mentioned earlier, there is a easily-bypassed security system with 3D to retrieve your bike afterwards. I am thankful that triathletes are honest individuals, otherwise many would have their $3K bikes missing. How difficult would it be to have bike # stickers to match race bib #s? Nope, this would cost $.

It is obvious that competition has started eroding into 3D's market share. Remember this each time you get a 3D e-mail saying "we have 200 more spots open" one week prior to racing (they used to sell out), or a $10 off deal opens (remember its still $20-30 more expensive than in March). 3D's decline is not a result of slower economics in Michigan. I once thought they were interested in promoting the sport of triathlon (an in fact they may have). I now believe they are all about the $$$. From talking to former 3D crew to other veteran triathletes, this belief has been strengthened. In planning my 2014 season, I only see one 3D event (and only taking place a few miles away). I will give them $40 next year, but no more.

Epic Events, Tri to Finish, Elite Endeavors, and Running Fit all offer superior experiences. What 3D offers is a lot of hype but nothing of substance to back it up with.