General Discussion Triathlon Talk » CHATTANOOGA 70.3 Rss Feed  
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2019-07-30 11:31 AM


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Subject: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
I am very interested in participating in this race next year but would be my 1st 70.3. Have read it's very beginner friendly and a great race to be part of. Has anyone done it? Thoughts? Concerns?


2019-07-30 2:37 PM
in reply to: jdwyer02

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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
I've raced the half in 2018, and the full in 2014, 2018 and will do the full this year.

The town and venue is great. Everything centrally located and only logistics is catching the bus race morning to swim start.

Swim down river.
Bike is rolling hills. Very doable.
Run is a bit challenging with some inclines, and the heat and humidity can kick up, but nothing like the summer heat.

I say GO FOR IT!
2019-07-30 6:17 PM
in reply to: #5261365


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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
Augusta was a amazing first half. Very beginner friendly an flat
2019-08-01 9:38 AM
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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3

I did Chatt 70.3 this year (and 140.6 last year) - I think it's a great race in a great community. I'll put some quick thoughts below, but you can read my detailed race report here if you want the long version.

Lodging: MANY options close to the race action, but I prefer to stay a few miles away. For both Chatt races I did, I got a super reasonably priced AirBnBs that worked out perfectly. Parking on race morning is plentiful, easy and cheap ($8 all day).
Training: The Chatt bike course is accessible and I rode it multiple times before the race. I would recommend going with others though, as many of the roads are "middle of nowhere" and if you got into trouble you'd likely want assistance. MANY groups ride from the Food City and Dollar General parking lots Saturday mornings.
Swim: Downstream and wetsuit legal this year. It's a long wait to jump in the river, I recommend bringing some sports drink to sip on. There is usually a short upstream section, but it was cancelled in 2019, making the swim short and crazy fast. 
Bike: Depends on your definition of "flat" and "hills," but I love this course. There are a few steep climbs, but lots of rollers and super fun stretches. Great crowd support through Chickamauga that will propel you back to transition. The scenery will keep your mind occupied - beautiful.
Run: Hot and some very exposed sections, but amazing aid stations and crowd support. 2 loops.

EDIT: The only concern (that's not really a concern but depends on where you live) is since it's an early season race, you may be training indoors more than a late season race, depending on the weather where you live. I felt I didn't get as many long rides outdoors as I'd normally like because of lingering cool weather and spring storms. 



Edited by lisac957 2019-08-01 9:40 AM
2019-11-11 11:18 AM
in reply to: lisac957


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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
How was the transitions? Where all your transition items kept at the bike area?
2019-11-11 11:20 AM
in reply to: alphacharlie65

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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
For the half, the transition area is the same as most triathlons. You set up your gear under your bike in transition. They bus you to swim start and you swim to T1, bike and come back to same area for T2. All gear in the same spot.


2019-11-13 5:38 AM
in reply to: TriJayhawkRyan

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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3

I have done both the full and the half twice.  I love the bike course as there are some climbs but you are rewarded with some nice down hills.  The run has some hills, but most of the times I have raced here the temps were a bigger challenge.  Swimming is not my strength, so I like the river swim.  Even with the short up river part of the half, it is still nice to get the down river help.  Just stay close to the shore when swimming the up river part to stay out of the current. 

The community really supports this race and the aid stations are all day parties.  Really gives you a lift every time through. 

2019-11-13 12:54 PM
in reply to: #5261365

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Subject: RE: CHATTANOOGA 70.3
A very beginner friendly race is right down the road as well in Augusta 70.3. It’s in late September: Full swim is current assisted, easy bike, flat run (like 100 ft of elevation gain).

The run course is great! Lots of community support and things to keep your mind occupied.

Biggest hurdle is the heat. It’s been in the mid to upper 90s the past two years so you would need to be ready for that.
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