Queen City Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike J.
Helena, MT

  (07-14-2009)

"Great people. good race and good time of year."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Matt R.
Missoula, MT

  (06-02-2009)

"This is the second year of this race from what I understand and it still felt like it was the first time that it was done in my opinion. I was just telling someone today that I didn't even get any safety pins as part of my race packet. You can keep all the informational fliers about other races - I just want some safety pins. Yes, they had a box of them the next morning but...

The pool at the Helena YMCA is dreadfully hot. it's obviously set up for water aerobics and kids splashing around...not competition. The heat was enough that it's an energy sapper and will likely add upwards of a minute to your time if you choose to do this race. (I discussed this fact with several other masters swimmers)

The bike is by far the best part of this course. It's a fast course that was clearly marked and had plenty of people helping with high traffic areas. This was the best part of the race from an organization and logistics standpoint. (I had some issues with a stick and nearly a flat tire but that's my problem).

The run....the run was 3.25 miles not 3.1, so if you do this race again, expect a slower than normal run time - cause you're running further. The run is described as a 5k in the course description. Every converter I've ever seen and my knowledge is that 5k equals 3.1 miles. 3.25 miles would be a 5.2k.

So while I chose "no" on the "would you do it again" question posed here by Racevine, my real answer is "maybe". The people that put it on where great, the event is just not that mature yet. And the fellow racers, most of whom were from the Helena area, were great and super friendly. The pool needs to be cooler for sure and the run should be slightly shorter or if it is longer, just tell people. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009