New Duluth Half Ironman - Superior Man Tri

This post has literally been a few months in the making.  It really started around late August when Clint Agar from Duluth Running Company first gave hints of a triathlon he was working on putting together for the Duluth area.  He gave out bits and pieces and today it was finally announced officially: Superior Man Tri.  While this is the first year of this triathlon, Clint and Duluth Running Company have been putting on running races for a few years and they also were part of the now defunct Duluth Duathlon.  I raced in the final year of the Duluth Duathlon and thought it was a very well run race so I have no problem recommending a first year race that Clint and Duluth Running Company is putting on.

This race is going to be a classic half ironman distance that is based out of the Duluth waterfront area.  Both the brand new Amsoil Arena and the wonderful Bayfront Park will be utilized for transitions and finishing areas.  The course will have some interesting twists from your average race including jumping off a boat for the start.  Speaking as someone who has participated in the Escape From Alcatraz triathlon where you jump off a boat to start, it is a very fun way to start a race.  So set your calendar for August 26, 2012.  And know that if you are one of the first to sign up, there is an early bird discount.

Swim

The swim for the Superior Man Tri will be in the Duluth harbor.  As stated, the competitors will be ferried to the start area on the Vista fleet of boats that they will then jump off of to start the half ironman journey.  I would suggest enjoying the ride and the views of the Aerial and Blatnik bridges now, as once you are in the water you will tend to be more focused on getting to shore as fast as possible.  The water in the harbor will not be as cold as the main lake, but it will most likely be anything but warm.  This will be one of those races where wetsuits will always be legal. 

From the course description, the swim will start 1.2 miles southeast of Bayfront park which should be right around 19^th Avenue if you were on Park Point, or just short of the channel to go under the Blatnik bridge in the harbor itself.  Racers will jump off of the Vista boats and then swim straight northwest towards Bayfront park.  This should be nice with the sun at your back and the dominating fixtures of the Amsoil Arena and Bayfront bandshell to sight off of.  If you go off course during this swim you should see your eye doctor before getting on your bike.

Bike

The bike course is a single loop that heads towards Two Harbors and then follows the majority of the Grandma’s marathon run course back.  The weather of late August in the Duluth area could provide the whole gamut of biking conditions, so just be ready for a very warm ride to a cold/windy/rainy ride if you plan on racing.  The averages are a low of 54 and a high of 74, so pretty good weather for a race if it is average.  Just know the records are 95 and 32.  Yup, it can get to the point that water will freeze in August in the Duluth area.  Just know that if it is cold in the morning, the water will feel great at the start of the race.

Based on Clint’s description and the website, the bike course will start out a little technical as it attempts to get out of the downtown area.  In a half ironman I think this will be fine.  Much like the Ironman race in Madison, if the first couple miles have a few turns and whatnot it only helps the average racer not start out too hard.  Once the course gets to London Road and heads northeast towards Two Harbors it should really be nice.  There are no turns and only minimal hills.  This should allow for some really good bike splits if the wind cooperates.  The return trip from Two Harbors will be on the Scenic Highway.  This is a popular bike route for area cyclists for a reason.  The road is decent with a shoulder and the views are very nice.  The beautiful view of Lake Superior should give everyone something to take their mind off of the potential grueling nature of the race on the back half of the bike.  The return into town will share the slightly technical nature as the start, but once again this can be a good opportunity for everyone to change things up and get out of the pedals to stretch before hitting the run. 

Run

I need to talk to Clint a little more to understand the details of the run course a little better (the exact turn around point and stuff).  I have a general feel and it will be a very spectator friendly course.  Three laps will make that a given, but the fact that the course loops around Canal Park will also make it easy for spectators to jog around and catch athletes at multiple spots if they are up for the walk.  For the runners, the William A. Irvin, Aerial Lift Bridge, Lake Superior, and the Boardwalk will be interesting sights as they make their way around the course.  The finish of the run is set for the Bayfront Festival Park which should provide a wonderful spot.

Overall

As I think about the overall potential for this race I believe it has a lot of things going for it.  From a pure racers standpoint, the unique swim is a draw.  The bike course will be challenging enough for the experienced racer, but not too intimidating for a relative newcomer to a half ironman distance race.  The run will allow for great spectator support in an interesting area to help keep the motivation level high. 

The Canal Park area as a general area for a triathlon has many perks.  For the out of town racers, the hotels on Canal Park are an easy walk to the transition area so getting your spectators up and driving to the race will not be needed if you choose to stay in Canal Park.  Should you be a local or choose to stay outside of the Canal Park area there will be ample parking available for racers and spectators alike at the transition area.  The Amsoil Arena is setup to handle 6,000 or so people for events, I doubt the volume of racers will have any trouble finding a close parking spot.

For spectators the Canal Park area will be very nice, as will the three loop run.  While your athletes are out biking there are multiple shops to check out and places to eat all within a short walk from transition (and on the run course…).

So, if you were looking for a half ironman distance race close to the end of the season, this one should be on your list as a potential race. 

I plan to find out all of the little details that make a race for the average racer such as what kind of items will be available at aid stations, where will the aid stations be, etc…  As I find them out, I will post that information here.  If anyone has any questions, I will be more than willing to try and find them out just put them in the comments.  Hope to see a great field in Duluth on August 26!