RAGE Triathlons Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike M.
Syracuse, UT

  (05-18-2009)

Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular courses I've ever been on. But great scenery comes at the price of some hilly riding.

Packet pickup was the day before in Henderson, and went fairly well. They seemed organized and although the Expo was crowded, I didn't think it was too bad. Timing chips were handed out at the race, and being my first race of the season I almost forgot to pick mine up. Bike racks are assigned by number range, and although I was running a little late, I still found a spot. It was a little tight, but it's a big race, so that was to be expected.

First open-water swim of the season and it was really, really cold (58). In hindsight, I should have gotten into the water sooner to try and get used to it, but I was running late, and had already managed to forget all my pre-race nutrition as well.

The swim course is well marked, despite being used for 3 different distances. The water is very clear and aside from the cold and some chaffing, my swim went very well.

T1 is big, as you would expect with a big race and I took longer than I should have, but it went smoothly.

My only complaint on the quality of the course, was the road heading out of transition. Lots of spectators, but lots of pot holes too - the kind that could eat your whole wheel, and spit you out on the asphalt. The first part of the bike course is mostly uphill, and there was a very slight headwind as well. It wasn't too bad though, and the tail wind after the first turn around was great. I had a lot of fun coming back to transition.

On the return, you pass transition, and do a couple more miles before turning around for the final run home. It's a nasty hill - one of those that keeps getting steeper, and there was some traffic on it. It's well marshaled, and the cars are considerate of the racers. After the final turn, it's a couple of miles of nice downhill, before avoiding all the potholes back into transition.

T2 was a little slow for me, but most of that was making sure I removed my helmet, and high-fiving my kids.

The run course is an out and back. First mile is flat with a few slight inclines and all on dirt trails. I train on trails, so I enjoyed this. Just after mile 2, you join a road and start a hill. It sucked. It was hot and a mile of uphill was not pleasant, but triathlons aren't supposed to be easy! Plenty of support on the run, and enthusiastic volunteers. The turn-around is a sweet sight, and the downhill on the way back is almost worth the climb on the way out - almost.

The finish line was great. Your name gets announced, most people got additional comments - especially the locals, which I thought was nice. Nice finishers medal, and plenty of food and drink.

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009