Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Steven L.
New York, NY

  (05-26-2009)

"This was my triathlon ever. I had done one duathlon prior to this race, but entered this one as a complete newbie.

The race is held in Madison, CT which is a beautiful little town on the coast of Connecticut. The race takes place at the Madison town beach, which is where the start, finish, and transition areas are based.

Swim – the swim is in Long Island Sound, which is usually in the mid to high seventies in early September. Each wave wades into the water and starts from thigh deep water. As it was my first swim start, I stayed to the back of the pack at the start of the swim and aimed to finish as opposed to trying to beat out the leaders. The swim is a triangle shape that takes you out and around two buoys off-shore. There are usually 300 and change competitors, so the waves are not huge. You transition out of the water and up the sand to the transition area in the parking lot.

Bike – the bike course is fairly flat with some rolling hills. Overall it is pretty fast. You cruise out from the beach, over U.S. 1 and over Interstate 95 into some residential areas. All along the course there are families with a few small children or a senior citizen or two who are at the end of their driveways to see the race.

Run – the run is very flat and is an out and back. The course takes you right along the water and it is a very scenic. There are no hills and there is water at the midpoint turn. The crowds are about the same here with more spectators around the finish area.

Overall, this is a great race and perfect for a beginner triathlete. The weather is nice, the water is warm, the course is scenic, and the run is flat and fast. (I’m a native of CT, so I’m a bit biased). The race is well organized and managed well by the Madison Jaycees. I highly recommend this race as a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2005