Jordan Rapp, Bree Wee and Linsey Corbin must know something. All three have raced at the Vancouver Half Iron in the last few years as they were making the transition to the next level. The Vancouver event is sort of like a Triple A baseball team, so if you’re trying to place in your age group, you can tap into the energy of those keen to prove themselves.
And with it being named one of the “Top 10 Urban Triathlons on the Planet” by Triathlete magazine, it’s no surprise that it’s become one of the premier races in the area…and now we know why.
This race is the third of five in the Subaru Western Triathlon Series with stops in three locations on Vancouver Island – Shawnigan, Victoria and Sooke – Vancouver and Banff, Alberta. The start and finish – as well as both T1 and T2 – centers around Jericho Beach on the shores of English Bay with the Vancouver skyline and Coast Mountains as a backdrop. It’s a view that never disappoints and offers a great backdrop for some well organized racing fun.
Stunning backdrops and a well organized race. What more could you ask for?
Despite an unusually chilly spring and late start to summer here on the West Coast, race day was sunny and warm. The weather has cooperated each of the last three years. The water, though, was chilly at first (we’re in Canada after all!) and it definitely helped to go for a pre-race acclimation dip.
The race begins with a single wave at 6:30am and while the water was calm this year, athletes still need to pay attention on the way back to the beach – on both of the two laps. The current is light, but you can drift fast enough off line if you are following someone who is directionally challenged. After all, there are no extra points for swimming more than 1.9km.
The run from the beach to T1 is on mats and gives plenty of time to strip your wetsuit to your waist. T1 is compact yet not too crowded.
The bike is set on a super-fast and well-surfaced road that utilizes a four-lap format. There’s only one solid climb and then out and back sections on a key road on the campus of the University of British Columbia. While this format makes for good spectating, there is a downside. As is becoming more and more common these days, organizers offered a sprint option in addition to the half iron. With both races using the same basic loops, it can get a little congested out there. That said, the road is more than wide enough and the vast majority of competitors know the ‘stay right unless passing’ drill. Also thanks to the crowding, you may spy a bit of drafting from time to time.
Crowd support throughout the race is great, but especially at the main turnaround point. There are police and marshals stationed throughout the course and they tend to their duties well, meaning you can focus on racing.
T2 is superb. Swift in and out. Music blaring. Lots of people watching. An atmosphere conducive to starting one’s run a bit too fast. The run is two 10km loops, which makes it easy to check on one’s rivals and easy for one’s supporters too. There’s a short trail section and then a flat out and back along the beautiful Spanish Banks beaches. Aid stations every 1-2km.
With a great course, solid organization (including live results on race day) and a spectator friendly format, it’s easy for me to recommend the Vancouver half iron if you’re looking for a destination race. And if your interested in more than one of the Series’ events, then there’s a season pass that allows you to race each of the five half irons for the price of two from the end of May through mid-September. The seasons’ pass was C$495 this year.
The next event is held in Sooke, just outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island. If you register before the end of July, it will cost you C$215. (Plus taxes and an online processing fee of course!)
Course: A It’s a superb location for racing and definitely has earned its place in the urban triathlon rankings. It’s also superb for spectators. You can easily spot your competitor exiting the swim as well as sit and watch at the bike turnaround and throw a blanket on the grass on the run course.
Organization: B+ It is professionally managed and operationally, the race went very smooth. A few more marshals on the bike would be good as some competitors clearly weren’t showing proper sportsmanship (drafting!). The grade also isn’t higher because this year, the shirt in the race package was a muscle shirt that this competitor will never wear. A good fitting singlet would have been far better. And it’s time to upgrade age-group podium finisher prizes.
Atmosphere: A It was a beautiful sunny day and the spectators were in a good mood. There’s a good mix of levels of athletes and lots of positive chatter among them.
Logistics: A Super easy to get to the location. The 6.30am race start is early but also avoids all hassles moving around a major city. You drop your bike the day ahead of the race. Parking, some paid ($6 for the day) and some free, also was hassle free and super close to the transition area.
Overall: A It’s the third time I’ve done this race and I foresee more of them on my schedule in the future. It’s a well-organized race. The location is superb. It’s a fast course. It’s well placed for anyone racing at Ironman Canada in late August.
-Tim
*Tim is a nine-time Ironman finisher, author of Sub Nine: History’s Fastest Ironwomen and writes regularly for several triathlon websites and publications including ironman.com and Triathlon Magazine Canada.
