Soma Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Brian P.
Albuquerque, NM

  (01-01-2010)

"The race is a good season ender but it is very crouded, there is a ton of drafting during the first lap off the bike mostly because there is very little room to do anything else. I never got the sense that people were intentionally drafting just that there is nowhere to go with such a fast course with so many U turns. After the first lap it thins out more. The run is always hot. It was 100 degrees on the run the last time I did it.

This is a fair preview for IMAZ, the swim is close to the same and the run covers some of the same territory as does the bike but SOMA has all the climbing you find in IMAZ cut out."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Jess L.
Scottsdale, AZ

  (12-04-2009)

"Overall great race. Red Rock Co. does a great job with their events and this was no exception. Swim was really good and waves went off on time. The bike course is 3 loops and would be nice if there weren't so many turns on the course. The run was 2 loops and very scenic. The crowd was awesome and this is a great race for spectators. With all the loops, fans can see people several times throughout the race. The only downside to this race is that it gets really hot for the run. Aid stations were well stocked. My only suggestion to improve this race, other than the previously mentioned turns on the bike course would be for the aid stations to carry Body Glide, or some other type of lubricant. Also, it would be great if one of the aid stations on the run had broth. Schwag was great, tech shirt and visor. Post race pasta dinner for athletes and massages."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Karen N.
Windsor, CO

  (11-08-2009)

"This was not a bad race. Swim was nice and easy, wetsuit legal. Bike is a bit crazy with lots of u-turns and 3 loops. It can get a little busy, and you have to watch for water bottles on the roads. Run was flat and hot but aid stations were ready. Roads were pretty smooth and clean. Good race preview for those doing IM AZ, as it is same transition area, but not exact course. Good weather; cool in morning and 89 for race high. Light winds. Post race food started 90 min late...not good!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jennifer P.
Tempe, AZ

  (05-18-2009)

"I really like this race. Great swim and run. Bike course winds a lot with a bunch of u-turns. The best bike handlers are the ones who will win this race. It can get crowded and it's unfortunate because it can get dangerous. But overall, it's a lot of fun and the company that puts it on is very organized. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Brett M.
San Francisco, CA

  (04-23-2009)

"Great race. The only drawback is the bike course gets a bit crowded in a few points, making it a bit dangerous. If you are an experienced rider, it is not that big of a deal, but for newer cyclists, make sure you follow the rules and stay to the right. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008