New IMSG Run Course -- Lame?

Coach Rich

New course here. See the map, as the turn-by-turn is for the now old course.

Run is now basically flat, but...multiple loops (3?) x 5 u-turns per loop = 15 u-turns???!!

I think it's good for the town as it keeps EVERYTHING right near downtown, running through neighborhoods, etc. This will expose a lot more people to the race...hopefully that's a good thing and in my experience the residents of SG are excited to have the race. That encircled two square block area should be pretty cool and it should allow them to keep St George Blvd open, which is was anyway, as that's where most of the local businesses are. I haven't explored downtown too much but it goes from commercial to residential within a couple blocks south of St G Blvd.

On the RD side of things, I think the course change was a business decision:

• SG's participation numbers are much lower than the other races...and the difficulty of the run course certainly has a lot to do with that.
• I imagine servicing the aid stations up on the bluff was a PITA on race day. This format will probably allow them to have 2-3 aid stations total?

But those u-turns...jeezus...I hates that stuff.

 

mgraffeo

seems like it could be a bit mind-numbing, though it could also allow for a lot more spectator access, so that you could see friends and family 2,3,4 times every 8 miles, which could be cool. I'm hoping that it still doesn't sell out, and that next year I might be able to call an audible in February and throw my hat in the ring...

tgarson

Ahh man, I say boo, but I understand why they did it. IMSG was definitely one of my bucket list races just to prove to myself that I could do it. For anyone who finished the last two years though, guess you get major bragging rights for the non-neutered course. Still probably a beautiful race all around though.

Semi related, they didn't make a big fuss about it, but the Mont Tremblant run course was changed pretty soon after the announcement and opening up for entry. They took out the part of the loop which had 13% grade sections, but there is still one 12.5% grade per loop.

Al Truscott

Before I did IM AZ, I thought 3 loops would be bad, boring, etc. But I found I really like the company while racing, as well as the infusion of spectators.

Out 'n backs: actually, it's 14, as the last lap will only have four. If you're trying to keep an eye on competitors, this is a GREAT course - many chances to eyeball the other guy and evaluate his status and your relative positions.

I've been toying with signing up for both this and CDA, I may pull the trigger on one or both this month.

Coach Patrick

It's not pretty, but as others have noted, it makes it a very competitive run scene (calf sleeves aside). This will really change the dynamic of the race...maybe folks will leave talking about the bike and not the run from now on.

GMAN 19030

FWIW, I saw this on ST this morning:

UPDATE : Apparently this is a one-year change due to construction problems on Red Cliffs Parkway. They originally planned to have a new, wider Red Cliffs ready for next year's race but now don't think it will be ready in time. 

In 2013 the race will be back on the original course.  

robin sarner

Yes the horrendous run was part of the specialness.

I survived and kept moving.   This was my slowest ironman but I got a lot of running confidence by hanging in there.

And Al, please join us at cda next year.  

Bob Irwin

My sister has been the volunteer captain for registration the last two years, and she said the race director is saying it really is just a one year change. I guess that either means you really want to do it in 2012, or you really don't.