Rohto Ironman 70.3 Boulder Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Cody H.
Denver, CO

  (08-10-2011)

"Second time participating in this race (third race at the 70.3 distance). Overall, this is a great race in a beautiful location, but not without some drawbacks.

The swim and bike are great. One loop, lake swim, waves are small and well spread out. Water temp is perfect, if not a bit warm for wet suite (this year was wet suite legal by half a degree). Two loop bike course, with net elevation gain for the first 10-12 miles (then again on lap 2), but overall very fast with great traffic control. Road conditions are perfect for fast riding - the race directors actually hire a street sweeper to sweep the entire bike course in the middle of the night before the race. I saw very few blow outs for a 56 mile course; half dozen at most.

Then comes the run, this is where the race loses at least one star, probably should be docked two. Two loop run course on a variety of road conditions: concrete, very dusty dirt, clay, and asphalt. There is zero shade on the course and early August in Boulder is HOT. I was in the second to last wave (7:40 start) and hit the run at 11AM, it was easily over 90 degrees. Great aid support at every mile with water, Gatorade, flat soda, ice and cold sponges, but unless you run with an umbrella you are baking in the sun.

Wonderful support at the finish line, well stocked with water, cold towels, cold hats, etc. Recovery food is bagels, fruit, cookies, pizza and a variety of soft drinks and water.

Venue is the Boulder Reservoir, great for families because kids can play in the sand and water, but no food/drink facilities and not convenient to the city of Boulder (getting into and out of the Reservoir area is a single 2-lane road clogged with traffic the entire day). Certainly pack everything you need for a full day in the sun."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2011