Montaulk 1/2 Ironman

I did this event last fall. This was my first 1/2 Ironman. The swim is basically an out and back in Fort Pond-very little visibility but calm and very well marked. The bike is two loops all over Montauk, lots of elevation change - roads are all open to traffic. No bottle exchanges. The run was a mixed bag- flat around the lake, but some serious hills you do twice north of town including one called Murder Hill and another called the Pits. You'll understand why they are named this when you do it. Very challenging but a great experience.

I love this race! I've done the Olympic race the past 3 years while my buddies have done the half. It's basically the same course minus a few out & backs. Anyway, it's a great end of season race! The weather can vary but you can't control that. I like the bike course... it's not flat but I wouldn't call it super hilly either. The run course has a few steep climbs that'll getcha on the back half of the course. But the race is well supported and Montauk is such a great place to have it. There are a ton of accommodations to choose from as well.