IM CDA vs WI

Don't know about IM Wisconsin but I did the half in Cd'A last weekend and have been a long time volunteer at the full Cd'A IM over the years. Yes, that bike course has some elevation gain, and you will have to do it 2X. The run is a longer course out the same direction you went last Sunday. That would include the hill by Bennett Bay, which is somewhat long and moderately steep. Look up the course map and elevation chart.

What you will see on the full IM at Coeur d'Alene is twice the amount of wonderful volunteers that you experienced on the half. It's a great race. Somewhat terrain challenged, but great.

I have done both.

IMHO Wisconsin is better.

I will give you my reasons for saying that.

Cheaper accommodations in WI. They bend you over in CdA.

I liked the mass swim start in WI vs the wave start in CdA.

I liked the bike course better in WI. Nice rolling hills. You are either going up or down. The steep section was like being in the Tour de France. Wall to wall people in costumes that split just as you pass by and chase after you. The climb up in CdA is nice, but once you reach the top the flat section is pretty boring.

The run in downtown Madison is amazing. The run through the University is amazing. Running through and around the football stadium was cool.

I have done IM Wisconsin, Whistler, Lake Tahoe, Coeur d'Alene and Muskoka. Whistler is first on my to do again list with Wisconsin second.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I think IM Wisconsin wins if I do full next year. I keep saying I am going to do a year of only halves, and then someone or something makes me change my mind.

I am guessing WI sells out quickly so I guess I better have my decision long before I get to this yea's IM AZ.