On May 22 2010, Harriman State Park hosted the 2010 “Harryman” Half Ironman and Olympic Triathlons. This early season triathlon doesn’t attact many spectators or enthusiasts, but for seasoned triathletes it can serve as a decent warm-up to the upcoming season, and perhaps as a valuable lesson in race management for its organizers.
Starting in beautiful Lake Welch in Harriman State Park, a perfect race venue close to New York City, the Harryman Triathlon is for anyone who wants to get a jump start on race season. Race morning packet pick-ups in were well organized and quickly distributed. Transition was equally as well organized with each athlete given a separate box and section for your bike to be conveniently fit into. This proved a good way to keep your gear out of your neighbor’s tri bag during transition. There’s nothing worse than trying to sort through dirty socks and gels in the chaos of transition.
These organizational successes did prove short-lived however, as pre-race announcements included news from race directors that due to a shortage of water support (life guards, etc.) the Olympic distance race was changed to a run/bike/run. After some further discussions (perhaps heated?) with athletes, their decision was ultimately reversed and the swim was reinstated in modified fashion (1/2 mile rather than one full mile) so that the life guards on hand could cover the course and ensure athlete safety.
When the starting gun finally went off, athletes left behind any pre-race headaches and were thrust upon the beautiful surroundings of Harriman State Park. The the swim was fast and cold (one should expect this in May) and, thanks to its backdrop, the bike course was beautiful, enjoyable and challenging. However, the race’s lack of organization did make an on-course appearance – this athlete had to work harder then usual figuring out which turn off was for the Half Ironman athletes and which one was for the Olympic distance. Signs on route should have been much clearer to avoid any confusion. Other participants have lodged similar complaints online, and in not too polite a manner.
The 10k run was equally as challenging yet enjoyable due to its venue. However, despite the scenery, lack of support once again reared its ugly head as I found myself yearning for more on course water stations.
In perhaps an unintentional attempt at redemption, Olympic distance finishers were greeted with drinks and pizza pies which could not have tasted better. A welcome change from the standard post-race fare of bananas and bagels, but even this wasn’t without flaw as Half-Iron athletes were greeted with Olympic leftovers.
Course: C The course experience was enjoyable, yet hampered due to the race organizer’s lack of clear direction and athlete support management.
Organization: D Changing the course due to lack of support is unacceptable. Changing it back was a good compromise but nevertheless, it was a situation that should have never occurred.
Atmosphere: D Drinks and fresh pizza post-race were great for the Olympic athletes, but no so great and not so fresh by the time the Half-Ironman participants finished. Also, with a crowd composed mainly of hard-core and ultra dedicated triathletes (perhaps treating this a practice run), not many people stuck around to cheer on fellow competitors.
Logistics: B Being close to NYC, commute to and from was a breeze.
Overall: C All in all, hard-core competitors might consider this a decent tune-up for the upcoming race season. But with it’s organizational issues, let’s hope it’s also a much needed tune-up for its race directors.
- Jacquie
