Batavia Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

John B.
Elgin, IL

  (06-23-2009)

"The swim course is a little funky. It is in an old quarry that has been converted to a public swimming area. The swim is 2 laps and part of it must be walked/ran in the water because it is to shallow. Racers are sent into the water a 5 second intervals. Even though is was a smallish course it did not feel overcrowded. The bike course is an out an back type of course on local roads. Some of the roads were closed to traffic, but others had cars on them. The police and race volunteers did a great job of making sure the bikers had right of way and I never felt unsafe. the bike course was generally flat with a small steep hill right after transition. The run course was along the river on a bike path and was flat. The race was very well run and the post race food was good."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Anth L.
wheaton, IL

  (06-22-2009)

"Over all a good solid race, would reco for any beginner as the swim is a layup. the bike is a great course and the run along the river can't be beat. post race is fun, but a bit of a hike back to the transiation area, i missed teh free shuttle that was offered. medal was very cool, but only 4 porta pottie.. needs work there. i'll be back."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Simon T.
st charles, IL

  (06-19-2009)

"Extremely well coordinated up to and including race day. Great race director and team. Very synchronized event. This race was extremely enjoyable and I would highly recommend it to others."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Ron A.
Wheaton, IL

  (06-18-2009)

"This is my third year to race the Batavia Tri. It is always very well organized and loads of fun. As you've read from others, the water is a bit chilly. But at a short 400m, you can skip the wetsuit. The bike is very scenic on quiet roads that are mostly flat. The run is equally nice along the Fox River. Post-race festivities are awesome - the usual fruit, cookies and water, but also pizza and Sam Adams beer. This is a great race to kick-off your triathlon season!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Tim M.
Libertyville, IL

  (06-17-2009)

"As my first tri, this was a great race. Short swim, nice bike course, and great run along the river. The end of race party was also very nice with pizza and a beer. Great race, nice location. I highly recommend it as a first tri and I plan on doing it next year also."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Lynn C.
Schaumburg, IL

  (06-16-2009)

"This is the third time I've run Du (can't swim) and I love this race! The bike part is very smooth with no traffic and very few turns. In my opinion, it's the best run course on the tri/du circut in Chicago area. The only negative is the lack of portolets (only four - yikes) for some 500 racers. The RD has promised to fix this in 2010. I'll be back to check on it because I love this race!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Kevin F.
Glen Ellyn, IL

  (06-16-2009)

"A really nice small race. The quarry/pool swim course could be better (half of it's too shallow to swim), but it's not too bad and it must be great for newbies. I hope we can swim in the adjacent Fox River instead next year. The bike course is wonderful, smooth pavement, no traffic, and almost flat after the first mile. The run course is great, on the shaded, paved Fox River trail along the river. The packet pickup was simple, parking was adequate, the volunteers were very helpful, the aid station folks very enthusiastic, the finishers' medal is classy, and the post-race party was well-done (and there are actual prizes through 3rd place in each age-group!). I'll definitely be back next year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Michael K.
Chicago, IL

  (06-16-2009)

"So, this was my first triathlon, and I am so happy I picked this one. It was really well organized, from the swim start, to the bike course, to the transition area, to the run and water stops.

It was really nice to have a smaller field, so I didn't feel lost in the shuffle. I just want to say thanks to all the volunteers who helped run the event, and let you know I'll see you all next year!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Anne W.
Winfield, IL

  (06-16-2009)

"OK, I am honest here - I am the race director. Of course I think our race is perfect! Looking forward to seeing what folks have to say. I participated in this race in the first 2 years while it had major growing pains and it was fun then. In the last 4 years I have been on the race committee and have been race director. Our race gets super positive feedback on organization and the scenic race course. No doubt about it - our swim is cold! The quarry beach is typically 65 degrees or so on race day. Brr..."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009