Triathlon at Pacific Grove Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Brianna H.
San Francisco, CA

  (09-14-2009)

"I absolutely loved this course and had such a positive experience for my first Olympic distance race.

I really enjoyed all the loops on the course (2 laps in the water, 4 laps on the bike and 3 laps on the run) because it made the race very spectator friendly- my parents had ample opportunity to cheer me along and take pictures! It was also fun seeing and cheering on my fellow Team in Training teammates along throughout the course. Most of us participated in the TNT waves so we were all at each stage of the course around the same time. GO TEAM!

This course was great for first timers because it's very flat, and the Kelp Crawl swim was actually fun. However pulling yourself over the kelp is a different feeling so I'd definitely recommend going for a practice swim the day before just to get used to it. I'm from San Francisco and the water here (albeit chillier) was much clearer and cleaner than the SF Bay which was a nice perk.

All the volunteers were so encouraging and positive throughout the race.

I'm officially hooked and can't wait for my next tri- Big Kahuna at the end of Oct!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Mike S.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-10-2009)

"Great race! Tri Cal does a tremendous job organizing. The Olympic is just the sprint repeated so do the sprint and enjoy Monterey. Because its so flat you can have great times."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2007

Kellie B.
Walnut Creek, CA

  (07-22-2009)

"fun and fast! the bike and run were a bit monotonous with all the loops, but they were pretty and easy. the swim over the kelp was great; just don't move your legs and push down across the kelp. the atmosphere and support really makes you feel like a great athlete. there are a LOT of people in this race because of team in training, which can be a pro or con."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Brett M.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-14-2009)

"This is a fun one to do. While the seaweed crawl of a swim can scare some people, its really not that daunting. It just adds a little time. The water is very clear, and not freezing like some of the other races further north. The swim in in a almost protected cove, so smooth water, and a huge crowd overlooking on the cliffs.

The bike is the only drawback on this course as it is multiple out and backs, but along the beach so good scenery.

The run is multiple out and backs along the beach cliffs as well. I actually like that so I know exactly where I am in the race for the run and when to push towards the end. Both the bike and run are virtually flat, so some fast times. Since all the laps for bike and run go by the transition area, it is great for friends and family to come cheer you on, and Tri-California always has good announcers to keep you going."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008