Luray Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Jason P.
Stafford, VA

  (08-16-2010)

"I knew it was going to be difficult. I was so concerned about the hills that I upgraded my my crank in order to get more mechanical advantage on the hills. I was right to be worried - it was a killer course. I wanted to do this race last year but didn't make it so I was extra excited to make it to this race. Located in right at the base of the Shenandoah National Park the swim portion of the race was in Lake Arrowhead just East of downtown Luray. With an 8:00 AM start I didn't have to get up so early to make it to transition. Chris and his family camped at the same campground and we left the site at 6:15. We were all set up in transition by 7:00. I was in the fifth wave so I didn't get started until 8:15. The lake was 81 degrees so no wetsuits today. I always get nervous right before the start but when the horn sounds it is all gone. Okay we are racing - swim boy swim. I found a nice grove and started just stroking it out. I got off track once but for the most part I made it to my markers and finished strong. I started walk/running out of the water when I step on something sharp and sliced the underside of my right foot. I didn't look at it but I knew it was pretty bad. I made it transition and changed into bike mode. I forgot to put a couple of energy gels on my bike so I had to get into my big tri bag during T1 - note to self always get everything done before the race. I was looking forward to the bike leg - hills and wind. The course basically started out down hill and then worked a long steady uphill with a 10-15 mph head wind. Once I slowed to get some water and almost stopped. First lap done and ready for more.I always love the second lap, you know the course. During the ride I had to make myself look around - it was completely beautiful. There were some low clouds spilling over the mountains with the sun trying to break through. This was by far my most scenic triathlon. Last hill to transition - it was a dozy but made it up and over thanks to my new front crank. Here comes the run. It was an out and back two loop course. I don't like this style but it seems to be a favorite of Set Up Events. It was exactly like the Lake Anna Triathlons. I saw Chris and Brandon on the course looking much better than I felt. I made it through the course and hit the finish line with nothing left in the tank. This was an extremely hard triathlon. Pros: Scenic Course, Plenty of Porta Johns, and cool long sleeve tech shirt. Cons: Poorly supported water points on the run. Two of the three stations only has two people working them."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Mark R.
Charlottesville, VA

  (10-05-2009)

"Nice lake swim
Bike was hilly, needed better policing going out of park.
Run - hot and hills. Also needed to separate from bikes coming into park"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009