Super Quick Reviews of 14 Favorite Triathlon/Run Races
It’s time to start signing up for 2014 races if you haven’t already gotten trigger happy! Here are my (very brief) reviews on 14 races I did in 2013… pros, any cons, and whether I would consider them again.
Race #1 Charles Harris 10k
Best race for setting a 10k PR
My Review- This race is a really fast 10k. If you like gentle grades and super fast downhills then you might set a PR that’s tough to break. Also, this race is very competitive and attracts a lot of local fasties. If you care about place instead of time (which is silly) then you might not like it as much
As I was explaining to someone the other day, in order to not ‘race’ a race, it’s a good idea to ditch your chip, or wear a costume! Costume runs are always a blast.. try it.. takes away All the pressure!
Race #2- The Publix Half Marathon
Best race for running for fun or training through
My Review- If you’re looking for a local half-marathon with a big race feel, then this one is the obvious choice. Always a good time, lots of tough hills, and a seeded start.
Race #3 Steeplechase 5k
Best for a fun day heavy on non-triathlon related fun acvitities
Steeplechase ‘5k’ Actually, it’s more like a 3.5 mile race where you jump over horse jumps! Lots of fun.. here’s John and I finishing one of the last obstacles.
My Review- As far as unique races go, this one takes the cake. Jumping over the obstacles makes it sort of a mix between a traditional race and an obstacle race. Plus, you get the fun of enjoying the Steeplechase festivities afterwards.
Race #4 Chattahoochee Challenge Half Iron Distance
Race #4- Chattahoochee Challenge Half Distance
Best for an easy season tune-up half that requires minimal time and money
My Review- I loved the hometown feel of this race. The logistics are easy and it’s close to Atlanta. Also, it’s inexpensive compared to pretty much any other weekend race trip. Columbus is cute and reminds me of Chattanooga. Fast river swim is great for slower or newer swimmers. I wasn’t crazy about the bike course because it’s hard to navigate (I did a few extra miles) and on a twisty Silver Comet’y path. Other than that, it’s great.Race #5- John Tanner Sprint
My Review- If you haven’t done this race then it’s a must do. We’ve done it almost every year and it’s usually one of the first races in Georgia.
Race #6- Dog Jog
Best race for something fun to do with furry family members and friends
My Review- It’s no secret that this is my favorite race! One and two mile options through Piedmont Park. You can walk with, carry, or wheel your dog.
Race #7- IRONMAN Texas
Best for IRONMAN that’s logistically easy, early season, and easy on the wallet (as far as IMs go)
My Review- I liked it! People complain that the course is boring, but what’s the point of sightseeing when you’re racing? It’s easy to get to, inexpensive to stay there, and it’s as well run as any WTC event. The swim is supa dupa crowded and non-wetsuit legal, but not terrible. The only con is that it’s hot, really hot. And even if you think you’ll be ready, living in Georgia you will never quite be ready for the heat/humidity at that time of year.
Race #8- Macon Half
Best for half that you have to experience once. Easy logistically, but the course is tough
My Review- I think this is a cool race. This year I did it two weeks after TX and basically doing no exercise between the two events, so it hurt even worse than usual. That said, I think this is a great local race that everyone should do at least once!
Race #9- Peachtree City Sprint
Best for first attempt at a sprint or a super fast sprint
My Review- I flatted in mile one of the bike on a tubular, so I got to do the swim and then spectate the rest. This is a great race with some good competition.
Race #10- Tri to Beat Cancer
Best race for a cause. Good beginner or first timer sprint.
My Review- This was my first time doing this race and I was surprised at how large it was. Lots of folks doing in memory of loved ones, which was awesome. As well run as any other GA Multisports event. Hilly, tough run!
Race #11. IRONMAN Louisville
Best logistically easy (no shipping your bike) but challenging IRONMAN. Good first IM if you’re okay with a non-wetsuit swim
My Review- This is one of my favorite races and I’m not even sure why. By this time of year coming from Georgia we’re all used to the heat. Also, it’s always fun to listen to people freak out about the temperature for weeks leading up to the event (not!) I love the time trial start of the swim, it really spreads people out. The finish line is one of the best finish lines in IRONMAN, too.
Race #12- Sprint the Gaps
Best sprint that’s different than the norm. Worth conquering. First timers should have decent cycling experience
My Review- This was another race I did too close to another IM so it hurt extra bad. That said, I LOVED the venue for this. The lake was my favorite part.. it’s definitely the clearest lake I’ve ever swam in in Georgia. Actually it’s almost too clean as it’s freaky to be able to see all the fauna on a lake bottom 20 feet down! This is another Zone 5 event, and they always do a great job. Being in the Gaps, you would think that the bike is the hardest part of the race, but it’s the run that’s the hardest for SURE!
Race #13- IRONMAN Florida
Best logically easy and super fast IRONMAN. Great first time IRONMAN
My Review- I have always liked this race, and I’m sure I’ll be back someday. This year I really noticed the cheating more and it really bothered me. My view could be colored by the fact that I wasn’t having a good day, but it was definitely over the top. I’d like to do this race again, but I think I’ll wait a few years. There are two many other good ones out there!
Race #14- SheMoves Atlanta Reindeer Romp
Best first 5k or stroller/dog friendly 5k.
My Review- This race isn’t until December 7th, but I really like it! It’s great for ladies thinking about doing their first ever 5k and it’s stroller and dog friendly.
Which races are you doing next year. Are you considering any of these?
