Ironman 70.3 Kansas Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Hunter C.
Clear Lake, IA

  (08-04-2009)

"We brought the RV and camped for this race. It was the perfect setup. The runners went by the RV 4 times.

Other than T1 and T2 being 1/2 mile from each other, no other complaints.

Hilly bike course for an Iowa girl."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jamie M.
Wichita, KS

  (07-03-2009)

"This race was one of the best triathlon experiences I've ever had. Part of that was due to excellent training and execution on my part, but a good deal of my success can be attributed to the exceptional organization and support that this race provided.

This was my first time doing an Ironman branded race, although this is certainly not the largest race I've done. I was impressed at how seamlessly everything came together to create a good experience.

The race reserved a good chunk of campsites in the park area for racers and spectators, which was an excellent option for my family. If you have the equipment for camping, or if you can afford to rent/borrow and RV, I believe that staying on site is the best way to go. It puts you within walking distance of the expo, registration, and the start/finish.

Check-in went very smoothly. There were dozens of volunteers there, all of whom seemed helpful and engaged. I must comment that I picked up my packet fairly early. I had only a 5 minute wait in line to check in, but by the time I got through the entire process, there was a line stretching back through 20+ people. Within an hour, the line was (I heard) an hour-long wait. So when it comes to packet pick-up, get there as early as possible--Friday, if you can.

The expo was bigger than I expected, with several vendors including local bike shops, various nutrition vendors, and representatives from some local breweries (Kansas City and Lawrence have several). And of course the requisite Ironman merchandise booth was present.

My family and I drove in to Lawrence for lunch on Saturday, which was a mistake. If you can at all avoid it, don't plan on leaving the camping area on Saturday. There are too many bikes, people, etc. who aren't paying enough attention on narrow roads. You'll end up driving at a snail's pace and getting hot and frustrated. Plan on eating lunch at the camp ground, especially if you're staying at the camp site. I should mention that the only negative experience I had with the volunteers at this race was that there were two 12-year-old boys enlisted to direct traffic. Besides being dangerous, that's just stupid. You should not have people conducting traffic who aren't even old enough to drive.

This race had two transition areas, and bike check-in was slated for the previous day; there was no bike checking or packet pick-up the day of the race. Security at the race site was adequate, so I didn't feel uncomfortable leaving my bike there overnight.

Swim course is triangular shaped with plenty of evenly-spaced buoys. There was a small amount of chop on race day, but I heard from a friend that there were significant (for a lake) waves the day before, so conditions might be variable. The chop picked up the farther into the swim I got, which might be an issue of location, or might be that the currents increase as the day wears on. I started the swim to the right side of the pack, and was able to swim in fairly clear water until the wave after mine caught up to me. Swim is counterclockwise. The morning of the race was cloudy, so I don't know how the glare might affect visibility.

Transition was long and narrow, so the run from one end to the other was significant, especially in bike shoes. Rack spaces are assigned, so you can't choose whether you want to run a long way in bare feet or bike shoes. Either way, you deal. Bike racks were spaced far enough apart to leave ample room for navigating between them. Still, there was a guy sticking out a little too far while changing his wetsuit, and I knocked him over while running past with my bike. Sorry dude! Just in case, might want to watch your back when you're in T1.

The bike course is the highlight of this race, without a doubt. It's rolling, but not ridiculously challenging. There are several regularly-spaced hills, some of which have a little bit of a mean grade, but none of which go on for an inordinate amount of time. Be aware that the bike course starts on a significant uphill, which lasts about a quarter of a mile. The course takes you out of the park (several hills on the way out, by the way) before getting onto main roads. It goes over a dam, which offers another couple of challenging climbs, but also has a long straight-away that's protected from the wind. You can really get into a big gear and hammer in that section. Bike course was crowded, for the most part, so some drafting is unavoidable. I did see some blatant cheating going on, at which point it would have been nice to have had more race officials on hand, but most people were just doing their own race. There are several out-and-back sections to the course, as well as a long loop towards the end (which is definitely the most scenic section). The out-and-back sections give you a chance to see your competitors, friends, and some of the pros. Aid stations on the bike are spaced every 13 miles. The first station had water and Gatorade Endurance (sponsored beverage), but the later stations also had bananas, oranges, and Powergels.

The last 8-10 miles of the bike course take you back over some of the same terrain as the beginning, which means that you re-encounter the same hills. Some of those really feel monstrous when your legs are already tired from riding 50+ miles, so be aware that you'll want to save some power for the last few hills on the bike. End of the course also dovetails the first mile of the run course, so you get to see all the runners who are already out there.

T2 is in a field, so there's nice, soft grass there (definitely feels good on bare feet). Again, spacing is adequate and wasn't an issue. What *was* an issue was the lack of port-a-potties in transition. There were only two. I had to wait in line, which took about 5 minutes. There are toilets on the run course--mostly outhouses, though, so if you're already nauseous, I wouldn't chance it--but it was worth the wait.

The run course is a two-loop course. The first part of each loop is the most challenging. It takes you out away from the lake through a noisy corridor of spectators (more cowbell!). The spectators are nice, but there's absolutely no shade on this early stretch, and little to break up the monotony of road (other than the spectators, of course). The road at this point, which is about a lane and a half, from a car's point of view, is split between run course and bike course. That means that the run course, which is an out-and-back is very narrow, not even wide enough for two runners to run shoulder to shoulder. Passing will be an issue in this first section.

The turn around for the first out-and-back is right at the first aid station, just past mile 1 (if I'm remembering correctly). Between miles 2 and 3, the course takes you back towards the lake and down the steep, quarter-mile hill that started the bike course off. I'm not sure if that hill hurt more going down or going up (probably going down, because I didn't run the up part). This hill wasn't too bad on the bike, but when running, it's a real monster. At the bottom of the hill is the second aid station, which is at mile 3, or thereabouts. Back up the hill, and the toughest part of the course is over.

The second half of the loop is a long run through the reserved camping areas, which makes it perfect for spectators, as you run by each campsite 4 times, total. Support in this section is great, as well; there's an aid station more than once a mile. The farthest point of this loop is within sight/hearing of the finish line, which is especially tough on the second loop. But the whole section is very flat, and there are even some shady areas.

Aid stations on the run were wonderful. Volunteers were cheerful and efficient. There were ice-cold sponges, Gatorade, Power gels (already opened for you), ice, water, and cola (although they ran out of cola by the time I was on my second lap). Some of the aid stations also had special additions. I saw pretzels, Jolly Ranchers, and various kinds of fruit. I felt very well supported throughout the race.

At the end of the loop, there's a fork in the road. The left fork takes you out on another loop, and the right fork takes you to the finish line. Finish line is great--lined on either side with spectators, just as it should be. Finishing chute is carpeted in yellow, to represent the Yellow-Brick Road. I heard that there were Wizard of Oz characters (a Dorothy and a Cowardly Lion) at the finish line as well, but they were gone by the time I was done.

Volunteers shunted me out of the finishers' area pretty efficiently (and brusquely, but I'm not complaining). They took my timing chip and gave me a medal and a commemorative beer glass with food/beer tickets in it. Oh, and a bottle of water. There was food and beverage in the finishers' area, but I didn't hang out over there, so I don't know what kind of post-race fare they provided. I saw several big Gatorade coolers, so I assume there were various flavors of the stuff.

I was also fortunate enough not to see the inside of the med tent, so I can't speak to that. However, in the med tent area, and spilling over onto the grass, there were several large Rubbermaid tubs full of ice water. They provided ice baths for us after the race, which was one of the best perks I've seen at a tri. And it provided a good time to chat with other athletes, as two or three of us crouched in freezing water and fought back swear words.

Post-race food was barbecue sandwiches and locally-brewed beer. I didn't partake (stomach didn't feel up to it), but it sure looked good.

This is the second iteration of Ironman Kansas, and last year's race was a completely different course--a completely different part of the park, as a matter of fact. This year's course (I've heard) is much easier. But there are probably still some kinks that need to be worked out over the next couple of years. Once the race directors get all of the wrinkles ironed out, this race will be killer.

But having said that, this race was a wonderful experience, perfect for my first 70.3. It's centrally located (not too far from anywhere in the Midwest) and Ironman branded, which is icing on the cake."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Shiryl W.
McKinney, TX

  (06-16-2009)

"This was my second Ironman-70.3, so I was quite nervous.
Packet pickup was a breeze - good thing. I have been to some where I have received wrong caps, numbers, and then given a bit of heck - but not here.
THAT is a good thing.

This race had two transitions, but they were kind enough to provide a T1 bag. I didn't know they were going to provide one. The only other race
I had with two transitions, you had to provide your own bags - so I was ready. But during the Athlete meeting, we were told
to put things either in the Gatorade bag, or near it and it would be collected, else you would have to go back down the hill to T1 to collect your
belongings yourself.
Initially I said i would do that. My coach and teammates talked me out of it.
*sigh* I had packed two bags a certain way, and needed to go back to my hotel to figure it out.

Bike check-in was Saturday (the day before).
The volunteers were there to bodymark you if you wanted. I did, but kept thinking won't I need it again in the morning? I did, but others didn't - so
hey no big deal.

There were a few confused souls in the transition area trying to figure out which way to setup their bikes. If you went before the athlete meeting,
there was a possibility of not knowing. During the meeting we were told to setup your bike using your seat/post and if your numbered tag faced the lake
then your bike should face that direction. I sometimes get nervous leaving my bike overnight, but no complaints thus far.
I should have taken a picture, the transition area was ...long and went down a hill (or up depending on your perspective).

I went back to my hotel to rest, and to figure out the bag thing for transition.

The next morning got to the campsite, then headed off to set up T2. Yes had the bag thing figured out. I took out what I needed for T1 while at T2, placed
it into the Gatorade bag. I went back to my vehicle to get the wetsuit, realized I left my glasses in T2. Went back to get them and then headed on to T1.

T1 was a madhouse, people trying to get air in their tires, add this, spray that. Someone sprayed sunscreen onto someone else (and me in the process) and
caused a mild breathing issue for a moment - I couldn't. I walked over to get into the Potty-line to give myself a break from the chaos in my immediate area.

Plenty of TP near the porta-potties in transition. Wow and I finally remembered my own - lol.

I realized I had to go back to get body marked I ended up having most of it rub off the night before. So that allowed me more time to separate myself from
the people in my area still fretting over things. I came back put on my wetsuit 'bang' the gun went off to start the pros. there was one poor soul yelling
'Drop n Go! You gotta get outta here, the pros have started and we don't want anyone in their way.
Well I fiished up and skidaddled out of transition. I was over at the swim start and Oh My gosh - there were people Still coming IN to setup their T1!!
I was floored.

This was my second Ironman-70.3, so I was quite nervous.
Packet pickup was a breeze - good thing. I have been to some where I have received wrong caps, numbers, and then given a bit of heck - but not here.
THAT is a good thing.

This race had two transitions, but they were kind enough to provide a T1 bag. I didn't know they were going to provide one. The only other race
I had with two transitions, you had to provide your own bags - so I was ready. But during the Athlete meeting, we were told to put things either in the Gatorade bag, or near it and it would be collected, else you would have to go back down the hill to T1 to collect your
belongings yourself.
Initially I said i would do that. My coach and teammates talked me out of it.
*sigh* I had packed two bags a certain way, and needed to go back to my hotel to figure it out.

Bike check-in was Saturday (the day before).
The volunteers were there to bodymark you if you wanted. I did, but kept thinking won't I need it again in the morning? I did, but others didn't - so
hey no big deal.

There were a few confused souls in the transition area trying to figure out which way to setup their bikes. If you went before the athlete meeting,
there was a possibility of not knowing. During the meeting we were told to setup your bike using your seat/post and if your numbered tag faced the lake then your bike should face that direction. I sometimes get nervous leaving my bike overnight, but no complaints thus far.
I should have taken a picture, the transition area was ...long and went down a hill (or up depending on your perspective).

I went back to my hotel to rest, and to figure out the bag thing for transition.

The next morning got to the campsite, then headed off to set up T2. Yes had the bag thing figured out. I took out what I needed for T1 while at T2, placed
it into the Gatorade bag. I went back to my vehicle to get the wetsuit, realized I left my glasses in T2. Went back to get them and then headed on to T1.

T1 was a madhouse, people trying to get air in their tires, add this, spray that. Someone sprayed sunscreen onto someone else (and me in the process) and caused a mild breathing issue for a moment - I couldn't. I walked over to get into the Potty-line to give myself a break from the chaos in my immediate area.

Plenty of TP near the porta-potties in transition. Wow and I finally remembered my own - lol.

I realized I had to go back to get body marked I ended up having most of it rub off the night before. So that allowed me more time to separate myself from
the people in my area still fretting over things. I came back put on my wetsuit 'bang' the gun went off to start the pros. there was one poor soul yelling
'Drop n Go! You gotta get outta here, the pros have started and we don't want anyone in their way!'
Well I finished up and skidaddled out of transition, but was passing a lot of people still trying to get themselves together. I was over at the swim start and Oh My gosh - there were people Still coming IN to setup their T1!!
I was floored.

The swim starts were on time and moving quite well.

My wave - the air horn went off, and OMG I see how slow I really swim - lol.
It was a rectangle out about 800, over 200, and then back about 900 - I think that is what the guy said.
Coming back the water was a bit rough, but I managed.

I made it to the ramp. A volunteer had her hand extended, I reached for it and asked what is going on, she told me to watch out for the carpet - as I was
tripping over it. "I found it" I told her and then chuckled.

No wetsuit strippers here - so after I made it all the way up the ramp, I had to fight with the zipper a few seconds, once that decided to cooperate with me
I was able to get my arms out. I sat on the ground to get my feet out. I have heard of people getting cramps while trying to get out of their wetsuit. I figured I'll take my time.

Once I got the wetsuit off, I sat there longer and folded it, then placed it neatly in the bag. Made sure all belongings not going with me were placed into the bag. Afterall - the goal was to NOT return to T1 after the race.

I was all setup to go and jogged with my bike to the bike start.
By the way, each entrance and exit was marked very well.

Now I had to jog uphill from Swim Exit. Made it across the dismount line and lost my shoe, rolled over it as a matter of fact. I had to roll back to get it.
Put it on my foot, clipped in and for the life of me could not get going. Once spectator told me I could walk my bike to and up the higher part of the hill.
I shook my head no and then had to focus to get myself going.
Made it the rest of the way up the hill and then worked my way into cruise to take on the two hills before the dam.The view of the dam is way cool (we see it twice along the bike course) after the turn, it is onto the scenic view of rural Lawrence, Kansas. Many of the residents sat on their front lawns and cheered.
There were three bottle drops one of them had a porta-potty. I didn't use any, but there were plenty of volunteers at those stations to hand up bottles and to clean up the dropped ones.

The Iron-Claw was interesting, and I was fortunate enough to have a tour-guide/navigator in the back with me. So he informed me of what was to come.

Other than navigating around all of the previous cyclers' stuff - (gu, bike parts, spare tires) the course was fabulous.

Had one more hill after the dam heading back toward the park - it wasn't bad per se - I just know I HAVE to spend more time on them to get stronger and not slow down to ohh ONE-mile-per-hour going up - goodness! I was able to spin it in, until I got closer to T2. Pedestrians EVERYWHERE, nope not talking about the
other athletes running along the designated areas, I mean the spectators, athletes' family members just walking on the path.

You know I know these events are exciting - and the pros are just wonderful to watch. But slow-pokers, first-timers, happy-to-be-here-people who may not be as fast should
still be given the courtesy and respect. They went through a huge amount of training, mental toughening, hurts, pains, you name it to get there and finish. And all it takes is one person to ruin it for them.

So I had to weave around a few. Fortunately a few volunteers saw them and told them to get out the way.

Hopped off my bike and jogged into T2.

Was able to change, but when I went to use the porta-potty all the TP was gone and mine was in T1 - augh. so I headed out to find one along the path.
The aid stations were well stocked with Gatorade, water, ice, sponges, and powerbar gu.Loop one, plenty of people, loop two, yeah a few of the spectators were even telling people to get off the path, even though admittedly I was walking a bit then. And at one point I thought the athlete walking next to me was going to get hit by a vehicle. A guy who was finished decided he was going to leave. Pulled his vehicle out and I just knew his bumper was going to reach my 'walking
buddy's' leg. Scared us both.

So again, I'd recommend more policing for that area. We work hard in our own capacities to get there.

Through the campsite, much better. The spectators and athletes who had finished were very supportive and cheery. Good thing. Ohh and another thing the aid stations
didn't close down too early. Yes have had that happen before too. One station handed over warm water - traumatic. Another athlete had ice-water and gave me hers Thank you :) .

The finish was cool, didn't understand the yellow mat at first, until I saw the brick layout on it. "yellow-brick road" - nice.

Love the finishers medal - showing it off at work here today. Loved the glass.

We received two tickets - one for food, the other for beer. The food was DELICIOUS. The brisket melted in my mouth. I don't drink beer, so next time look for me
we can trade my beer ticket for something else I want. But was so thankful all the food wasn't eaten up. i was actually prepared for it to be gone, so I had a couple of things in my vehicle to hold me over should I needed them. Glad the Silk company was there - I LOVE their Soy Chocolate Milk

Definitely loved this race!

I thanked many of the volunteers along the way.

I also took an ice-bath - I so!! recommend that for after every ironman race.

I'm sure I'll think of more - but this is my initial review of this race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009