SavageMan Triathlon Festival Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Keith B.
Niceville, FL

  (09-24-2011)

"In my fourth year (2 at the 70 distance, 2 at the 100) and I still can't beat that darn Westernport Wall! Oh well, this is still the VERY BEST event anywhere! And I'll be back next year for another 100 (might even beat that pesky "Wall" finally):)

The race organization, volunteers, Deep Creek Lake State Park Rangers and staff, police and participants are amazing! I've made friends here over the years and it's great to see them every September.

This is, quite simply, the event you'll tell your grandchildren you participated in. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2011

Ryan A.
Reston, VA

  (09-21-2011)

"This race must abosolutely, positively, go on your list!

Go to this link for a full report and video

http://hooslisa.com/2011/09/21/done-and-done/ "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

Matthew O.
Sykesville, MD

  (09-21-2011)

"Simply the best supported, organized, and fun race I have ever done. My biggest regret is that I didn't get to fully take in the weekend and enjoy the area. I think I'll do the 70.0 again, but what I really think would be fun would be to run the Olympic on Saturday and then volunteer on Sunday.

Feel free to read my full race report at Beginner Triathlete: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-v iew.asp?tid=269192





"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

Jack M.
Austin, TX

  (09-21-2011)

"This is the short version, the full version you can read here:

http://austintriathlonstore.blogspot.com/2011 /09/2011-savageman-triathlon-americas.html

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The Savageman Triathlon Festival is a two-day event located in the very northwest tip of Maryland in the Appalachian mountains. The name comes in part from the Savage River, which you descend down to at the start, and Big Savage Mountain, which you must climb up ... twice. Mostly though, this race is called Savageman because it is the hardest half in the world, with a bike course that Dave Scott, six-time Ironman World Champ and 6th overall this year, described as "the most relentless bike course I have ever seen."

Savageman is a much more intimate experience than your average WTC race. The field is very small at around 500 brave competitors, and the event is nonprofit, with all proceeds going to the Joanna M Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. Despite the smaller number of competitors, the race has first-class support. Every turn on the bike course is manned with volunteers and signs, and dangerous spots on descents are marked. The course is closed to traffic, except to a few locals who live on the route heading to church. There are fully stocked hand-ups with water, HEED, gels, and Coke all over the course. Two of the climbs even offer a real Tour de France experience with insane fans screaming at you in crazy costumes.

Every year there are a few big names that show up to take on this course, including uber bikers Bjorn Anderssen and Philip Graves (current bike and overall course record holder). This year we were all treated to "The Man," Dave Scott, who was taking the challenge at 57 years of age, as well as US Olympic medalist Susan Williams.

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I cannot recommend this race highly enough. It is simply perfect. This area of Maryland is beautiful, the atmosphere of the crowd and athletes is amazing, the volunteers and race management are top notch. Savageman is not an easy place to get to, being a 2-hour drive from any major airport, but if you ever travel to do a triathlon, this should be the one you do. Big thanks to Kyle Yost for creating this event and helping to keep it alive. More thanks to all of the volunteers who kept us on course and fed, as well as the fans who cheered us on. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2011

Greg Z.
ashburn, VA

  (09-29-2010)

"First time at this race and, like everyone else, I wasn't disappointed. Arrived the night before and camped across the street at Deep Creek Lake CG. Great facilities (clean) and nice sites. If you are as lucky as I was, you will have an entire boy scout troop surrounding you. They went to bed sometime after midnight so, plenty of sleep for me. Sort of. The something was falling all around the campsite and I'll swear they were the size of baseballs. Especially when they hit the "bear proof" food box. Bike helmets aren't only for riding. Turns out they were acorns. Live and learn.

Up the next day, everything was good to go (all stuff still there). Did the usual prep, hit the POP a couple of times - if you have any hesitation about this race, I have to say - there were NO LINES. Nice, especially if you've ever been to the Marine Corps Marathon or Army Ten Miler. OK. Enough prep.

Swim. Went off great - clear water (didn't even taste too bad), cool but not cold, and the power boats didn't get too close (I'm not a fan of the gas-oil mix when I'm swimming). No major punches or kicks thrown (at least in the blue wave). Sighting was straightforward - if you swam the first leg directly into the sun, you were right on target (tinted goggles recommended). They weren't kidding when the race directors suggested swimming until your fingers hit sand, and then take a couple of more strokes - the water held a couple of small rocks to be aware of.

T1. Took my time, really, what's the rush in this race. Ditched the vest as it wasn't cold, and moved out in a low gear.

Bike. The warm up accelerated at the first "hill" but that gave way to rollers and then the best 10+ mile downhill I've ever ridden. No cars, dappled sunlight through the changing reds and yellows - sublime. It was only tempered by the knowledge that Newton prevails - we were going to be going right back up. Why didn't I think to bring waders and a fly rod?? The Wall - how do you describe coming around the corner in Westernport and seeing a mass of humanity cheering at the top of a long hill? What stood out initially was the multiple wheel sets which were in contact with the air and not the ground. Yes, you can see that all the way from the bottom. My race plan allowed for taking in the devils, the horns, and all of the spectators, but I have to admit that by the time I hit the unimproved section, my world view was reduced to the line 8 inches or so in front of my front wheel. Then it was over. A nice gentleman sitting on the guardrail just past the top of the Wall advised me that "the climb is just beginning." Thanks. Up and up and down and up again. This really is an incredible ride - I reimplemented my race plan and tried to look around to take it all in (that part worked). The course really is as hard as everyone says. One note - it doesn't seem as bad when you drive it. You're wrong. The long gradual downhill into T2 was welcome as my legs at this point were mere shells of what they once were. I actually laughed out loud at the sign that said "Save your legs for the run." That person must have been wearing a devil costume on race day.

T2. Not too fast, walked to my spot, shoes on and away we went. Ditched the Perpeteum I had waiting - 5+ hours in the sun might not have been "performance enhancing." I don't care what Hammer says about lactic acid buffering.

Run. I try to ignore the first mile or two of any half iron run. They're never fun. I did wake up in the campground - the hills have a way of doing that. Found myself running behind this guy who had to be 6'6" - he was walking about as fast as I was running. Whatever. Focused on maintaining the run. Thank god for the trees - they provided shade the entire way. Road run was solid, and then the fire road - again with the run pace = walk pace. At that point, I walked. It seemed like less energy expenditure for not much pace loss. Loop 2 - straight up walked the two significant hills. The reward - a headwind on the last two miles of the run. Rocking! Finished strong (a relative term, I know).

Thanks to all of the volunteers and racers who offered encouraging words, especially the nice lady at the last water station who asked, upon finding out that this was my first Savageman, if I was going to sign up again next year. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had already formulated my craigslist ad for my bike and wetsuit. Asked her if she had any children. When she said yes, I asked her if immediately following birth, she was itching to do it again. Her quick reply: no. I suggested she ask me in a week, and since she can't I'm here to say, I'll definitely do this one again.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Doug B.
Charlottesville, VA

  (09-28-2010)

"Fell in love with this race the first year and hav ebeen back every year since and will continue to return every year because it's that fun and that well done.

As always, the Westernport "Wall" is the highlight for the riders scaling on the bike with Tour De France-like spectator support. Even though I've done this each year and made it up the "Wall" each year, before the gun goes off I still get nervous about the course and wonder what will happen out there today. The uncertainty is a thrill!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Keith B.
Niceville, FL

  (09-26-2010)

"For the third year in a row I didn't earn a brick. For the third year in a row it really didn't matter since this is the best event ever!

Last year I wondered if there was any way to improve this already superb race, and wouldn't you know it.. they created the Savage 100! Hoo Yah!

Making it a two day event allowed my wife and I to participate together in the Savage 30 on Saturday and her to be a volunteer photographer on Sunday, thus being able to take a picture of me just prior to entering Killer Miller on Sunday (not a pretty picture, by the way). She completed her first Savageman and first Olympic distance event (coming in under her goal time!) and I completed the 100.

As usual the volunteers were the best and seeing "Bear", again sitting in his chair, enjoying a cool libation while blasting ZZ Top only added to the run portion.

We'll be back every year. Who knows, I might even remember that I need a triple ring to get up Westernport. But then, the best part of going up that Wall is always the people. See ya next year.

"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Joe M.
Carnegie, PA

  (09-25-2010)

"I really struggled and went alot slower than normal, but that's my own fault. This is an awesome challenge and I will try this race again, but won't compete unless injury free.

The support was great and the support on the most challenging portions of the race are great.

It's a great cause to boot!! Nice job organizers and volunteers"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Glenn O.
Rockville, MD

  (09-24-2010)

"Awesome course and well-organized"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Josh K.
Millersville, MD

  (09-24-2010)

"Sometimes it's good to be humbled, and this race humbles everyone. I don't know a single person, pro or amateur, who walks away from this course thinking they owned it."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Tim D.
Annapolis, MD

  (09-23-2010)

"Savageman makes me realize its not about the pro's, its not about AG winners, its about respecting anyone that has the guts to compete and the will to finish. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

tracy e.
putnam, CT

  (09-23-2010)

"I chose this as my first HIM after completing the olympic distance there in 2009. Love Deep Creek lake, the organizers and everything about this race.
the people are wonderful, the crowds are amazing as they cheer you on climbing some of these intense climbs!
You will curse yourself on the bike and wonder what made you decided to be here but in the end its the greatest feeling to cross that line :)
My BF and I love this race so much we are pushing our wedding date back so we can do it again in 2011!!

oh kinda surprised that more women do not do this race? odd.
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Christy S.
Potomac, MD

  (09-23-2010)

"I've been competing in triathlon for 20 years and it has been several years since I've done a race that I've enjoyed so much. It was the hardest Olympic distance race I've ever done but the venue was spectacular, the race organization was perfect and there was lots of crowd support. I will DEFINITELY be back next year and maybe for the half! It is also a fantastic place to take the whole family for a long weekend."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Sheryl L.
Wauwatosa, WI

  (09-22-2010)

"What a great day-I actually did the Savage double, and was surprised more people didn't.
I really liked the challenge of the course, the bike was great fun, the swim was smooth and the run well supported.
I thought they did a great job on all the safety aspects, the transition area was well organized and I also appreciated the USAT official's presence-no peleton here.
Keep up the great work"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jason K.
Newville, PA

  (09-22-2010)

"this race was top notch. i think everyone else agrees that this race is well thought out, well planned, and well worth the pain. it is challenging and fun, i wont add more of the same comments that other people have said as well about the course. this was my first HIM and i couldnt have chosen a better one, in my mind. there were tons of volunteers, plenty of aid along the course, and post race food was a great way to end it all. if you're thinking about doing it next year, do it! if you did it this year, Congratulations Savageman!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

John W.
Waynesboro, PA

  (09-22-2010)

"This was the best organized race I've ever participated in (my 8th) - from the race director down to the spectators and volunteers. I was a spectator for my brother's race on Saturday (Olympic) and participated in the Savageman 70 on Sunday. I've never had so much fun - the volunteers and spectators along the bike course made for an almost carnival atmosphere. I have set aside this 3rd weekend in September for the rest of my life to do this tri!

thanks to all for a great event, and my family had a great time as well!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Heather Ann J.
Bel Air, MD

  (09-22-2010)

"An epic world class event with a hometown feel. If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only participate in one race a year, it would be this one. It was made even better this year by extending the festival into two days of racing, enabeling athletes to "give back" by volunteering on the day they weren't racing. Of course some people raced both days... (Wow!) "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Mike G.
Richmond, VA

  (09-22-2010)

"What an event! Staff, volunteers, merchants, residents... every last person that we ran across in the area was nothing less than absolutely welcoming and incredibly supportive of the race(s) and racers. No law enforcement bummed to be "stuck" directing traffic, no annoyed residents buzzing riders after being held up at an intersection, PLENTY of locals taking to their front yards and porches (some with music blaring, most offering shouts of encouragement) to watch the spectacle. The support of the community for this race cannot be overstated - it truly felt like a county-wide party at times.

Race organization and staffing was absolutely top-notch! Arm warmers in the goodie bags were a functional treat, great finisher shirts are provided. Aid stations on the bike and run were appropriately spaced and very well staffed and supplied; Sasquatch runs a particularly tight, if hairy, ship at his water stop and is to be complimented.

The course started off with a nice flat swim in the cool waters (64ish degrees) of Deep Creek Lake. Then out to what is without a doubt the toughest and simultaneously most scenic/beautiful bike course of any triathlon that I've done. The Westernport Wall/Big Savage Mountain experience has to be lived to be understood (yes, I made it up the wall), as does the harsh reality that is called Killer Miller. The run course isn't exactly a slam dunk either, particularly on legs just off the challenging bike. The fire tower hill was a nice "treat" on the run course, as was having to run directly past the entrance to the finish chute & cheering crowds in between laps of the run. All three courses were incredibly well marked.

I am savage, and I will absolutely be back for more. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Kathleen H.
Columbus, OH

  (09-22-2010)

"I have been racing triathlon for 25 years. I have done well over 200 races including 15 IM and close to 50 HIM. THIS race is BY FAR the BEST race I have done. Period. Although, I am not sure you can call it a \"race\" as there is not much \"fast\" about it for most of us mere mortals. I finished more than 1.5 hrs slower than my average HIM time.

2009 was my first Savageman, I was humbled... came home licking my wounds. I was not fully prepared and was discouraged when I did not make it up Westernport Wall. THAT was my biggest motivation for racing in 2010.

I did get my brick this year but as it turns out - that really wasn\'t my motivation - I\'m going back in 2011!! The race offers a SPECTACULAR venue, challenging terrain, friendly volunteers, plenty of aid stations and GREAT post-race food. It is not for the meek of heart and certainly requires more preparation than the average HIM but you will NOT be disappointed when you experience this race! And oh yeah... the Finisher T Shirts ROCK!

"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

tim t.
wilmington, DE

  (09-21-2010)

" I first heard of your race by reading about it in March's Triathlon Magazine Article. I took from the article that the unique challenge of this difficult course, beautiful setting and community spirit behind this race made it a special event. I quickly signed up and then encouraged many friends to do the same. We had 12 guys participate and to a man - everyone said it was their best race ever. Of course, no "PR's" but that's not why a majority of us do these races. It was for a great cause and as I said to one of the Rangers as I left Sunday... the beauty of this place is only matched by your hospitality! Thanks for an Epic experience"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Betsy B.
Falls Church, VA

  (09-21-2010)

"This was my first half ironman and I couldn't have asked for a better experience - just wish I got that brick! Maybe next year..."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

brett j.
westminster, MD

  (09-21-2010)

"Quite possibly the perfect race! Definitely the best I have ever participated in. The race is very well organized, in the perfect location and the spectators and fans are incredible. And of course the town of Westernport and the Westernport Wall are one-of-a-kind. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jen D.
Greencastle, PA

  (09-21-2010)

"Great community support, volunteers, and aid stations on the run. We could not have had a more perfect day in September! I'd suggest adding carpet between the swim and bike transition areas - though the acorns were 'stimulating.' "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Zachary M.
Alexandria, VA

  (09-20-2010)

"I've done a lot of tri-s in the Mid-Atlantic and nothing else compares. This is a one-of-a-kind race that yields a one-of-a-kind experience. Although I have never done Lake Placid, I have heard many people compare the races.

Add 60-90 minutes to your average Half-Iron time...

The race organizer also hosts a "Diabolical-Double" ride known as the Garrett County Gran Fondo in June... each of these events cater to the cycling-masochist... if you are one, sign-up, you will not be disappointed."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Brian N.
Silver Spring, MD

  (09-20-2010)

"No sacrifice, no glory. That about sums up this awesome race. If you're looking for a challenging course rather than a PR, a race that features crazy people dressed as devils and even Gumby, look no further than Savageman 70.0. This race has the vibe of a small, grassroots event. There's no pre-race expo. There's not even a finisher's medal. But, it's the hardest you'll ever work for a damn t-shirt. And if you make it up Westernport Wall you get a brick. I didn't make it up, which is why I'll be back next year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Philip P.
Bethesda, MD

  (09-20-2010)

"I've done quite a few races and this is hands down one the best Tri that I've ever done.

First off, the course is amazing. Everything is scenic, Deep Creek is a beautiful area and I couldn't imagine a more gorgeous spot for a race.

The swim is very well marked, with fun buoys good exits and entrances.

But the bike course, that's what sets this race apart. It's absolutely brutal, but that's why I do these things anyway. It's definitely a test of endurance and strength, and you can't finish it without a huge feeling of accomplishment.

The run course is a little compact but it stays close to the crowd and is well marked.

The best thing about this race is the people. The aid stations are extremely well staffed, and had anything and everything you could ask for. The crowds along the bike course are amazing and extremely motivating. There is no experience that can compare to fighting Westernport with a deafening roar of a crowd mixed with bells and vuvuzelas (a hilarious addition). Even along the remote parts there are locals outside their homes cheering you on and volunteers stationed frequently. The characters and signs along the road provide great humor to take your mind off the pain in your legs. Everyone was extremely friendly and it really created the perfect environment.

Plus you're doing all this for a great cause!

I'm planning to repeat at this race every year until I die."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Jay S.
Arlington, VA

  (10-06-2009)

"Excerpt from a long RR on my blog at http://www.futurehead.org/futurehead/2009/09/race-report-sav ageman-half-09.html

Overall, it was simply a wonderful race and I can’t wait to do it again next year! The swim was great, the bike course was challenging and exciting and fun, the run was painful but perfectly nice, the venue was gorgeous, and the production of the race was flawless. This was a race that clearly was not put on by any corporate machine –- it seemed to be a labor of love, the object of pride of a group of people that is genuinely passionate about this race. The food was good, the logistics were relatively hassle-free, the volunteers were super, and a sense of fun and friendliness pervaded the event. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Doug B.
Charlottesville, VA

  (10-06-2009)

"Done this race since year one and will continue to do so. I had surgery to repair a torn pectoral tendon 8 weeks prior to this year's event. I love this race so much that I had to show up & give it a go. One-armed the swim and coddled the arm on the bike & run. Finished with a personal worst but FINISHED! Even earned my brick.

The reason I went through all that effort and will continue to come back is the relaxed, fun atmosphere of the event combined with the challenge of the course. And the locality is beautiful - I also use this weekend as a retreat to get into a beautiful area of the mountains.

There are plenty of buoys on the swim course, the bike and run courses are well marked, and more-than-adequate aid stations on both the bike and run. As a participant bringing up the rear (this fact made even more glaringly evident by being in the last swim wave), even I, in th eback of the pack, had plenty of cola, water, HEED, endurolytes, gels and food at the stations - they ran out of NOTHING.

The atmosphere around Savageman as I said is fun and relaxed. Despite that there are some pros and some really talented AGs, no one is strutting around trying to look the part of a Kona-qualifier. I roll my eyes when I see those folks at the M-dot events, those people can really look like idiots (there, I said it). Though the course itself may intimidate, this is a really welcoming atmosphere to a first-timer.

"Relax, fella! Have some fun, do a race, get your name in a brick!""

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

tracy e.
putnam, CT

  (09-23-2009)

"This was only my second International distance race this year. I was a little intimidated by the organizer describing the course, the degrees of some of the climbs and the suggestion to have a 27 or compact.
Well, I changed out the 12-25 and was thankful for that one extra gear on Frank Brennaman Road.
I drove the course the day prior to get a feeling for what I was in for. Good thing to know in advance.
I loved all the signs that were here and there throughout the ride -especially "triples are for wimps".
No, this is not your typical tri course. However after plenty of long quad draining grades there were plenty of areas for recovery before you made your way back into T2. (Okay, they did throw in one more climb about 1/2 mile from transition)

The run (with the exception of the fire road which I saw more people walk up) was equally challenging.

If I didn't know better I say there were some hills in that swim leg as well.
I came down to have a fun time with no expectations except for just that, a fun time and finish feeling good.
I had better, I had a GREAT time with the bonus of winning my age group! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Michael F.
Bethesda, MD

  (09-23-2009)

"I won't repeat too much of the previous posts except to say that the bike is not to be taken lightly and the recommendations for a 27 or greater cog or compact cranks will help with the pain. I completed the race in 2008 with 172.5 cranks and a 25 cog (39 up front) and suffered! By the Killer Miller climb I was cooked and had to walk the last bit as well as part of the next "categoried" climb before limping in to what I thought would be a DNF. A mile into the run my wife told me she didn't come this far to see me quit, so keep running. Her name should really be on that brick. This year I was able to meter out the effort a bit better on the bike and made every climb with no dabs! This is in no small part to the AMAZING support on the course with the addition of spectators on Killer Miller...huge improvement as the energy is waning by this point in the race. The volunteers and spectators should get their names on my brick this year. The other competitors should be acknowledged as well. You're going so slowly up most of these climbs that you can't help but communicate and commiserate with the other racers and it was virtually a 100% positive exchange( very unlike some tris I do). I even got to exchange brief pleasantries with Mayor Fenty from DC before he smoked by me on the way up Savage Mountain! That young man is fast!( Of course, he probably isn't carrying as much Cheetoes residua as I am either...helps with the bouyancy on the swim though!) Really can't say enough positive things about this race...my biggest regret is not taking the kids out of school monday so we could have stayed an extra day as the area is spectacular in its beauty this time of year. I'll be back next year with the goal of breaking 7 hours...may have to sacrifice the family sized bag of cheetoes between training days this year!
Hint: if you have decent camping gear, consider staying at the state park campground as it is close (no parking issues), clean (hot showers) and very reasonably priced!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Thomas M.
Ottawa, DC

  (09-23-2009)

"Savageman event report: Posted on Trirudy.com


Savageman Trifest, Half Iron distance and Olympic distance events (aquabike and relay also).



With the name, Savageman and it's reputation the location of this event seemed unlikely as it's in the State of Maryland . I've travelled to Maryland many times and for various reasons mostly for Triathlons. I know this state as one with lots of pleasant rolling hills and flat terrain. Never did I imagine that a small yet significant section of the State had terrain in the Appalachian Mt's, let alone anything "Savage".



Residing in the middle of what is locally known as "The Plateau" there is Savageman State Park" and Lake.

This is the second home and cottage destination of many who call Washington DC home. I would liken this a bit to the Muskoka (Ontario, Canada Home of the Muskoka Long course and 70.3) resort area for middle and upper class cottaging. That's about where the comparison ends.

This years edition of Savageman had six Ottawa area athletes and two other Canadians in attendance. Tara Norton from Toronto and another young athlete from Mtl (now residing in Boston ). These two young ladies are super fine athletes in their own right. Tara of course is a fabulous LD triathlete from Toronto with significant pedigree. Lyne Bassette, World cycling medallist, was also in attendance and her resume in cycling is impressive.



In attendance were other notable Pro athletes, Bjorn Andersson from Sweden , and Susan (Bronze medallist in 2004 Olympics for Triathlon) Williams, Josh Beck and Zack Rubel to name a few.



The Ottawa area boys took refuge in a splendid cottage nestled in the woods only a few hundred meters from the race site. In fact our rented Digs were located on Savage lake only meters from both the first turn (700m) of the swim course and at the foot of the first of many significant bike climbs of the day.



A Pre-view of the bike course is must for all who enter Savageman. Unlike many triathlon courses where there is generally not a lot of reason to pre-view a bike course this event and venue is decidedly different.

Savageman, The bike, truly nothing I've ever seen or ridden before. The Drive alone took well over an hour and a half to complete.



With Eight categorized (race director categorized) ascents within these wonderfully impressive mountains one finds the small town of Westernport , a pulp an paper town and location of the "Westernport Wall", and at the forefront of roughly 6000 ft of steep technical climbing. At every moment with the exception of the "Wall" I took in the stunning scenery. These Mt's had already begun to usher in the change of seasons. Reds, oranges, yellows, classic fall colours speckled in the green forests and farm landscapes with a continuation of rolling Mt's behind every view. Truly spectacular.

I had no illusions about this event especially after a pre-view of the course. My strategy, truly went from more competitive thoughts to more or less high-end tourist thoughts. I knew from this point I was in it to complete it.

It's about the "Brick" and what the "Brick" represents.


The most Unique feature and Huge Value add of this event is the "Brick-in-the-wall" feature. This course is all about getting your name on the "Wall". There is a certain sense of Triathlon immortality to this.



Every athlete who completes the "Wall" climb (Westernport climb) without stopping, falling over or whatever as well as finishes the entire Half event will receive a "Brick" engraved with your name on it. The "Brick" is then embedded in the road, the 31% "Wall" section of the Westernport climb. This is partly an effort to repave the road that is permanently closed to motor vehicle traffic as it is far too steep to maintain. This part of the road is a bit gnarly and requires you to pick a line so as not to hit a pothole or crevasse that would deflect you sideways and force an end to ones quest for the "brick". (For those who feel that 31% is not doable there is a less severe climb that circumnavigates the extreme pitch, however no brick.)


After descending for about 10 miles through dense tree-lined roads with very little sun penetrating the foliage, the Westernport Wall stands out like a beacon. The Sun magnifies the immense climb you are about to undertake. It's almost scary when you turn the corner out of the dim light into the brightness and clarity of the "Wall", Yikes! The daunting task is tempered with a little humanity with the large number of cheering spectators, Volunteers, and Devil costumed revelers shouting out encouragement. The lift that this gives an athlete is not to be diminished. I'm sure that without the energy from the crowd many would find defeat instead of success on the "Wall".

This Westernport climb is several Km's long with the beginning pitch at just under 20% , the next pitch at about 25%, and the final pitch of the "Wall" at 31%. Thankfully the 31% part is roughly only 50 pedal strokes. After that, comes what I think the most difficult part of the climb. Outsid of a small leveling off at 12% (which actually felt flat)the next several pitches are in excess of 22% (I saw one athlete fall over in this section after the wall). The rest of the severe climbs have names such as Savage Mt, Killer Miller, and so on. Names not to be taken lightly. Quick note on Killer Miller, the several parts of this climb are well in excess of 20% and none of them are short.

Did I have fun? you bet.

Mixed in the fun are several long and technical descents and all prior to big climbs (what goes down must go up, steeply up). With a few Km's of warm up fun at the start of the bike course the first true descent takes place. With roughly 10 miles of twists and turns (some hairpin) one descends 1700ft. All of it exhilarating. This descent would be typical of of all the descents, hard, and fun (the descents are very manageable, it's only about how fast you want to take them). Thankfully with about 20km or so left, the bike course relents to a fast rolling to the downhill section through farm land and back to T2.

With the run the "Savage" continues and has one climbing over 1000ft in 21km. The run is mostly paved with some off road and gravel sections. Well treed and sun protected, one gets the sense that although difficult the finish line is soon to come. Worth noting, the run course is not as severe as the Bike course however this run course is not easy and should be respected.

The event itself is very well organized and needs to be. The organizers, who are obviously athletes, have paid attention to every possible detail, by far the best I've ever seen. This event is in a class all by itself and I challenge other RD's to be as creative and imaginative as this group of organizers. Kudos to the Savageman group for exceeding expectations and raising the bar.

Things you should know about this event;

-Base elevation of event is 2,500ft, -very technical, -recommended compact crank for the average athlete, -5,900 ft of climbing and the same in descending, -one must not be a timid athlete with a preference for flat easy bike and run courses, -need to practise and define bike handling skills (you don't need to be a pro, just know your limits and control your speed for the descents and ability to climb), -have a personal need to mix fun, exhilaration, and pain together, -morning temps are cool, afternoons are warm, -be prepared with good equipment in good working order (this is serious). -be prepared to feel emotions in order of magnitude above how other events make you feel.

In Summary;

For a land lubing athlete such as myself, this departure to a Half Iron distance event from Olympic events was well worth the suffering and angst. This event is on my next years schedule. The event is "Savage" and likely deserves the title of World's toughest Half. Savage is also very, very beautiful. This venue is the real deal. I recommend this event without hesitation and suggest that all athletes place this on the must do list. remember, it's not about the rac , it's about the experience and journey.



My approach to the finish line was very emotional (internally) as I felt an overwhelming blush of pride and a great sense of accomplishment. I haven't felt that in years. (And no, I'm not looking to move to half Ironman distance events).

-entry to Savageman $150

-27 tooth cassette, $80

-Bike, $4,000

-accommodations (three nights), $200

-approach to finish line (emotional moment), $ priceless.



To all the "Brickheads" it was fun and let's do it again.


"It's not really about the placing or even the racing as much as it's about the challenge and the journey and the accomplishment. It's scary, it's hard, it's exhilarating, it's fun, it's fast, it's slow, it's beautiful. The Brick is the icing on the cake as you are immortalized for your effort.

Thanks for letting me indulge a little.

Tom"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 0000

Richard R.
Laurel, MD

  (09-23-2009)

"This is year three of doing this race and I am as happy with this race as ever. It's the little things that make a good race. Having good food (ICE CREAM) at the finish line. Adding signs along the course to motivate you. And having lots of information so you aren't guessing about what is going on. This is easily my second favorite race each year. Right behind the other race this group puts on in Mt. Airy, MD. Both races are AWESOME."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Michelle H.
WASHINGTON, DC

  (09-23-2009)

"I love this race, the organizers are a fun group and work to make the whole race amusing. This is important considering how difficult the course is. I loved all the signs along the route, as well as the devil costumes scattered throughout!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Melody h.
Arlington, VA

  (09-23-2009)

"Excerpt from my blog: http://willrunformargaritas.blogspot.com/

I end the triathlon season with SavageMan - pretty much the hardest triathlon in triathlon history. While it is, hands down, the hardest race of the season, it is also the most fun!

If the name alone doesnt scare you, just wait until climb the first huge hill - less than 0.5 miles into the bike. Its uphill from there. Literally.

SavageMan takes place at the Deep Creek Lake State Park in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in Western Maryland (yes, mountains). Deep Creek Lake is so beautiful - the lake is crystal clear, the leaves are changing colors and the weather in September is perfect for a race. Its hard not to look around and enjoy the sights, even while grinding it up a mountain and cursing Kyle Yost, the course architect, for creating a race that brutal! Simply put - its the perfect place for the hardest race.

Awesome things about this race, besides EVERYTHING
1)The venue is amazing - unparallel to any place we race all season.
2)Everyone is having a good time. No jerks, no super serious Type A triathletes. Even the pros are friendly. Example: Bjorn Anderson apologized after the race for not saying thanks when I said good job to him because he was really suffering on the run
3)Awesome volunteers - I cant say that enough !!!!!!
4)PLENTY of water stations
5)Really well organized – the race director is genuinely concerned about the safety of the athletes, the bike course is clearly and very well marked
6) A PR for me and my boyfriend!!! BJ beat his 2008 Half-Ironman time by 45 minutes and I beat my time by 15 minutes.

Overall Score: 10"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Robert R.
Ellicott City, MD

  (09-23-2009)

"Most difficult Half-Ironman around. The bike course is beautiful but very painful. The run is no joke either. But in the end, it's all worth it knowing you conquered the challenge."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009