There has been talk of this for several years, with Haag Lake and Bend talked about as the two most viable options. Honestly, I don't know where they'd put it. I'm trying to think of a body of water near Bend that actually has hotels and accomodations around it. The Pacific Crest 70.3 is such a PITA, having to shuttle up to the race start and stage T2 at a completely different location. Can't imagine doing that with 2500 people plus spectators. Haag Lake, while a very nice race venue, has the same problem with no accomodations within a reasonable distance. We're just not a very resorty state, at least not when it comes to our lakes, which tend to be in mountainous, relatively inaccessible regions, or to be semi-arid alkaline lakes in the desert. The Dalles/Columbia river is one of the few places I can think of that they could do something like an Ironman and accomodate everyone, but there you've got serious, serious wind.
Why do people think that WTC would replace IMCDA just because Bend is seeking it's own IM? Anyway, the Leadman 250 is expanding to Bend in Sep 2012. Entry is capped at 750, but I don't think the first Leadman outside of Vegas drew even a 100. Oregon Sports Authority ought to see how this works out (swim is in Cultus Lake...40 miles from Bend) before looking to expand. See http://www.leadmantri.com/page/show/391875-bend-or
Update - I didn't realize that Oregon is responding to a WTC RFP (bids due 31 Jan 2012) for a race in either California, Oregon or Washington state starting in the Fall of 2013. So it would have to be on a different date from Leadman if Bend, Oregon was being selected. But I wouldn't expect that WTC would be replacing IMCDA given their numbers and long history. However, May 2013 will be the 5th running of IM St George; and if anything they would not renew St George's 5 year contract due to low participation, and replace it with a more PROFITABLE ironman venue. Remember, this is the company that cancelled the Clearwater 5150 because it only had a little over 700 registered. An Ironman is much more costly to produce so I bet that St George is making the barest of margins if any. Since a Fall 2013 IM would qualify for Kona in 2014, and thus add no further pressure to Kona, that further suggests that St George may be on the chopping block. If my speculation is correct, the winning bid would include a venue that is easier than St George, has good logistical infrastructure, and proximity to large population centers. Bend (or Haag Lake), Oregon will work for extreme triathlons like Leadman, but it doesn't meet the success criteria for Ironman. I think it's a losing bid. Anyway, if you want to do St George you might consider that it's shelf life may be limited. How's that for starting a rumor?
On 2nd thought- I think IMSG 2013 will be number 4. Still, I wonder if they will renew their contract.
St. Geroge is on my schedule for 2013, along with (probably) Cozumel. Might as well try some tougher ones my last year in the AG.
San Luis Obispo may be the front-runner for a new west coast IM. I still (after all hese years) miss IM California in May, just down the street from my brother-in-law's photo and telescope store. The 70.3 in March is not the same.
@ Paul ... Hmmm, Leadman @ Bend 2013 sounds intriguing, if it's held mid-Sept. Only a six hour drive from here, right time of year, etc. But running up an 11% grade for 13 + miles to 14,000 feet a week earlier? I think I'd rather bike it. Anyway, I wonder how many other EN loonies we can con into that double or triple? St George in May, Colorado/Oregon in August/September.
Comments
There has been talk of this for several years, with Haag Lake and Bend talked about as the two most viable options. Honestly, I don't know where they'd put it. I'm trying to think of a body of water near Bend that actually has hotels and accomodations around it. The Pacific Crest 70.3 is such a PITA, having to shuttle up to the race start and stage T2 at a completely different location. Can't imagine doing that with 2500 people plus spectators. Haag Lake, while a very nice race venue, has the same problem with no accomodations within a reasonable distance. We're just not a very resorty state, at least not when it comes to our lakes, which tend to be in mountainous, relatively inaccessible regions, or to be semi-arid alkaline lakes in the desert. The Dalles/Columbia river is one of the few places I can think of that they could do something like an Ironman and accomodate everyone, but there you've got serious, serious wind.
Update - I didn't realize that Oregon is responding to a WTC RFP (bids due 31 Jan 2012) for a race in either California, Oregon or Washington state starting in the Fall of 2013. So it would have to be on a different date from Leadman if Bend, Oregon was being selected. But I wouldn't expect that WTC would be replacing IMCDA given their numbers and long history. However, May 2013 will be the 5th running of IM St George; and if anything they would not renew St George's 5 year contract due to low participation, and replace it with a more PROFITABLE ironman venue. Remember, this is the company that cancelled the Clearwater 5150 because it only had a little over 700 registered. An Ironman is much more costly to produce so I bet that St George is making the barest of margins if any. Since a Fall 2013 IM would qualify for Kona in 2014, and thus add no further pressure to Kona, that further suggests that St George may be on the chopping block. If my speculation is correct, the winning bid would include a venue that is easier than St George, has good logistical infrastructure, and proximity to large population centers. Bend (or Haag Lake), Oregon will work for extreme triathlons like Leadman, but it doesn't meet the success criteria for Ironman. I think it's a losing bid. Anyway, if you want to do St George you might consider that it's shelf life may be limited. How's that for starting a rumor?
On 2nd thought- I think IMSG 2013 will be number 4. Still, I wonder if they will renew their contract.
St. Geroge is on my schedule for 2013, along with (probably) Cozumel. Might as well try some tougher ones my last year in the AG.
San Luis Obispo may be the front-runner for a new west coast IM. I still (after all hese years) miss IM California in May, just down the street from my brother-in-law's photo and telescope store. The 70.3 in March is not the same.
Just looked at the Leadman distances and wow, that's my kind of race. I had no idea they were bringing it to Bend. Nice!