Valpo Triathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Joe K.
Chicago, IL

  (07-25-2009)

"Second time running this race; just as good this time around. For a small race (both distance and under 500 participants) it's put on very nicely imo. The swim is a short 1/4 mile which is nice for beginners as it's short; wave start from the beach on an out and back course. The lake is fairly small, and perfectly still other than the thrashing swimmers :) Sandy beach finish out of the water leads to a short (<100 yard) stretch to transition which is set up as a big ring. Ride out of the park on to country-ish roads that are closed down for the race. There were brief heavy rains a few hours before the race, the volunteers did a great job sweeping out the turns so that once the sun came out the course actually rode very well. No steep hills but several small easy ones. Several 90 degree turns, a couple of which are at the bottom or soon after the bottom of a small downhill which can be a little hairy; there were at least a couple wipeouts that day. Back into the park for transition, then running right back out into a neighboring subdivision. An out and back course travels along closed-down roads(so much room-so nice!) and passes a large aid station twice stocked with fluids and a kid with a sprinkler hose to run under to cool off :) Several people sitting out in their driveways and front lawns cheering you on, always makes for a good time. I unfortunately had to leave immediately after the race, but if it's anything like the previous year they treat you good! Pizza, fruit, drinks...a fully stocked smorgasborg. It's a park, and it's definitely a good setup with a pavillion for the food, and a large open trailer/stage where they announce the awards from. Valpo has a great fitness community, and it shows, both in the quality of athletes for such a small race and the family/community atmosphere surrounding the race. This was the first tri I ran when I started, and it's definitely one I will do every year I can. Definitely recommended."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009