Ironman 70.3 Victoria

Victoria is not in Greater Vancover. It's on Vancouver Island. How are you getting there. Ferry to the island leaves from a Twassen. There is one that leaves from the US side as well.


Lower Mainland = Greater Vancover

The Island = Vancouver Island

Up Island = North of Victoria on Vancouver Island
Flying or driving?

https://www.cohoferry.com

http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/

I live in Boston and have a business trip to LA the week before. On the Friday before the race I will catch a flight to Vancouver and then the next morning take the ferry to Vancouver Island. All of that (including rental car) is booked.

I'm mostly trying to get a clear sense of the course. When I did the "Timberman" HIM people would literally post things about the "brutal climb at mile 11" of the bike course. That stuff was very helpful. I've heard that the swim start at Victoria was a disaster last year at this race and I'm curious if they're taking the same approach.

Swim is nice one loop swim, bike is pretty rolling, with some punchy hills. Run 2 laps in the trees around the lake. The bike course has been changed a few times. I did it when it was an independent event. Been to Victoria lots of times for swimming and tri.

838 m of climbing over 90km. (2700'). How long are you staying. Ferry ride is absolutely breath taking.

Make sure you pre book the ferry. Allow for the drive to Twsassen of course.

I am doing the race. Its been a few years since I have done a tri. Looking forward to it. The swim times looked fast from last year.

Thanks simpsonbo for all of the good info. My ferry ride and hotel is booked and ready. I will stay two nights at the Hotel Grand Pacific and a few nights in Vancouver after the race. Oddly enough, I was born in Vancouver 49 years ago, but my parents were only there briefly and I have never been back. I'm looking forward to racing in a place that I have a small connection to.

More info from anyone is helpful!

Last year the swim was in beaver lake which has poor parking, be there early for the parking. Swim was weedy but they got it done. Ride was good, lots of folks saying it was hilly. Prepare with hills. It was a bit chilly in the morning but it warmed up lots. Run is great its 2 loops with no pavement. You don't need any sort of trail shoes as the trail is pretty manicured. Lots of shade if it is hot out that is for sure. Only one portion of the run is open to the weather and its not long. Overall this race is pretty good, I have done it a few times. I would be there this year buy my friend, who lives on the course, is in Oliver that weekend. Good luck to you!

Edited by Crazypop 2017-05-02 10:19 PM

This is all really helpful. Since parking came up, does anyone know if it's a walk or a drive from the Hotel Grand Pacific to transition? Also, the Ironman site says that this year's swim will be in Elk Lake.

It's really all one lake. Part of it is called Beaver lake. The lake is way out in Saanich (separate city from Victoria) , 15k (9.5 miles) from your hotel.

FYI that lake is home to the Men's training centre for rowing. The lake is just off the highway. There are a few hotels by the pool (Saanich Commonwealth Place) that are not as nice as the place you are staying at.

FYI SCP is an awesome facility with 2 50m pools. Only pool I can think of where Phelps and Kieran Perkins both set WR. Home to 1994 Commonwealth Games and 2006Pan Pacs and umpteen nationals. We just had our world championship trials there a month ago.

Tri culture is strong in Victoria. Home to Simon Whitfield. Triathlon Canada moved their offices there, we have a national training centre for tri there as well.

Hit the Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley park up when you are in Vancouver after the race. Capilano Suspension (North Vancouver) bridge is good too. I live in Calgary but spent a year and Abbotsford and between swim and tri have spent lots of time on the coast. Your hotel is by Beacon hill park. Terry Fox statue is there.

https://youtu.be/cAPYCwDG6PU


https://youtu.be/RvdbCrb9dFA


Some of the sights of Vic from a training perspective. ^^^^

I am doing Victoria 70.3 as well. I am taking the ferry from Seattle and booked an Air BnB. It looks like the athlete guide just came out and they are going to have shuttle buses going to Elk Lake but it is 5km from where the shuttle bus lets off to where Elk Lake is.

I was able to add it in as a new race on the 1/2 IM forum

I couldn't find the thread that you added. Can you post the link? Thanks.

I thought I added it. When I look it up I can find the race and it was added to my races but I don't see how to start a thread.