This was my 4th 70.3 and done as prep for IM MD in Sep, and it was defiantly the hardest one. The swim was glassy and scenic with mountain/fog backdrops … MORE
This was my 4th 70.3 and done as prep for IM MD in Sep, and it was defiantly the hardest one. The swim was glassy and scenic with mountain/fog backdrops and I had a PB swim here on this triangle course. The bike was super fun but hilly. Two major climbs had people falling over on their bikes, I assume either not enough climbing experience, or issues with the bike. I also saw at least 2 crashes as well due to steep hills and wet roads. There were spectators all throughout this one way multi transition course including a lot of Amish supporters which was cool! The run was around Penn State campus and despite being a bit hilly, I also had a PB 70.3 run thanks to the rain and some cooler weather. Multiple laps and two way traffic made the run course crowded in a good way, with lots of opportunities to see supporters. Finishing inside the stadium was super cool!
For supporters: This was a first year event so not sure if things will change for this year, but if you’re at the swim start, be prepared to wait several hours to be let out of the parking lot. My gf was hoping to meet me at points along the bike course, but the traffic was not allowed to leave until the last biker and even then, it took hours and she missed my entire bike ride up to mile 52. It might be better to try and park outside the park and walk in, or have someone drop you off and then pick you up to walk in and out of the park.
I’d suggest doing lots of hill repeats before the race! But overall, my favorite race of the 4 IM i’ve done. Highly recommend!
Please login to reply to this review.
Beautiful hilly race course!
This was my 4th 70.3 and done as prep for IM MD in Sep, and it was defiantly the hardest one. The swim was glassy and scenic with mountain/fog backdrops … MORE
This was my 4th 70.3 and done as prep for IM MD in Sep, and it was defiantly the hardest one. The swim was glassy and scenic with mountain/fog backdrops and I had a PB swim here on this triangle course. The bike was super fun but hilly. Two major climbs had people falling over on their bikes, I assume either not enough climbing experience, or issues with the bike. I also saw at least 2 crashes as well due to steep hills and wet roads. There were spectators all throughout this one way multi transition course including a lot of Amish supporters which was cool! The run was around Penn State campus and despite being a bit hilly, I also had a PB 70.3 run thanks to the rain and some cooler weather. Multiple laps and two way traffic made the run course crowded in a good way, with lots of opportunities to see supporters. Finishing inside the stadium was super cool!
For supporters: This was a first year event so not sure if things will change for this year, but if you’re at the swim start, be prepared to wait several hours to be let out of the parking lot. My gf was hoping to meet me at points along the bike course, but the traffic was not allowed to leave until the last biker and even then, it took hours and she missed my entire bike ride up to mile 52. It might be better to try and park outside the park and walk in, or have someone drop you off and then pick you up to walk in and out of the park.
I’d suggest doing lots of hill repeats before the race! But overall, my favorite race of the 4 IM i’ve done. Highly recommend!