RACE & COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Spirit of Racine Triathlon 70.3 welcomes a field of exceptional competitors from throughout the nation and internationally. The expanded field of 2000 participants will compete on a beautiful course consisting of a 1.2 mile swim in Lake Michigan, followed by a 56 mile bike on the scenic rolling hills of Racine County and finishing with a 13.1 mile run through the historic neighborhoods of Racine and along the lake.
Swim 1.2 mi.
The 1.2 mile swim course is a point to point along North Beach in Lake Michigan. The course will be markedSpirit of Racine Triathlon - Racine, WI Friday before the race. In the event of rough water conditions, an alternative course will be used in a protected harbor area to ensure the safety and continuation of the swim. North Beach Park is open for practice during the normal swimming season - weather permitting. Water temperature is almost always under 78 degrees. Wetsuits are allowed and encouraged. North Beach is named a Blue Wave Beach by the Clean Beach Council.
Bike 56 mi.
The Modine Manufacturing Bike Course is an exciting (new in 2006) 56 mile course through the scenic countryside of Racine County. Gone is the downtown Racine section and the Ryan Road section in Milwaukee. This is a mostly rolling course with some challenging hills mixed in to keep you honest. Aid stations with InfinIT Nutrition in bottles, water in bottles, Hammer Gel, ice and fruit are every 10 miles (15, 25, 35, and 45). All USA Triathlon rules for drafting and blocking apply and officials will be on the course enforcing the rules. Visit www.usatriathlon.org for more details on the rules and penalties.
Run 13.1 mi.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! This unique run course, named the Jockey International Run Course, is a 13.1 mile double out-and-back that features a tour of the Racine Zoo, offering participants views of lions, black rhinos, monkeys, giraffes, kangaroos, and many more exotic animals. The remaining course runs along the beautiful Lake Michigan coastline as you make your way toward the Racine Lighthouse to the run turn around at Shoop Park. The course is very flat and fast! Aid stations are every mile with InfinIT Nutrition, water, ice, Hammer Gel, and fruit. Neither head phones nor outside pacers are allowed.
70.3 Distance Triathlon :: Map Download (55.8 KB)
Racine, WI
Racine sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and has the finest harbor in the area. Downtown Racine offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Our neighborhoods have more character and architecture than most, and each has its' own distinct feel and personality. Quoted from http://www.cityofracine.org/
North Beach Park
North Beach Park - Racine, WI North Beach Park, located on the Lake Michigan waterfront, features a beach, swimming, biking, hiking, and various recreational / athletic activities. You'll also find a concession stand, bathhouse, picnic area, shelter, rest rooms, fishing and a playground.
Need Directions? Click this Google Maps link and enter your starting address.
City of Racine :: Map Download (204 KB)
Heading to the Race
If you are planning to head to the race to support Jen, the following information may be of interest... Jen and I are traveling to Racine Saturday morning, the day before the race. We will be attending various events throughout the day, then staying at the posh Fairfield Inn in of Racine. Race day starts early Sunday--like 4:00 AM!
You can watch the start of the race at North Beach Park. From there the bike and run courses will take some time. Unless you are up for a little journey to catch a glimpse of Jen mid course, the in/out points of the transition area is your best bet. Course maps provided by the race organizers are sometimes difficult to judge observation areas. Best to scope out a spot onsite.
Weekend Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Race Expo 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
70.3 Registration 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
70.3 Bike Check-in 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (North Beach Park)*
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Half Race Start 7:00 AM
(Jen is racing Athena starting at 7:12am)
Half Post Race Victory Celebration 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Half Awards Ceremony 3:30 PM
* The Spirit of Racine Triathlon will include a Race Expo with exciting multisport, active lifestyle, and fitness-related vendors. The Race Expo is held on Friday (July 20) 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday (July 21) from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The location is at Case High School in Racine.
Race Day Parking Details
Due to increased participation in the event, the City of Racine is supplying shuttle buses from designated downtown parking structures on Sunday.
From 5:00 AM -7:00 AM, buses will run from the designated parking structures to North Beach. The cost of the fare is $1.00 for each ride. On the return visit, one bus will continue to operate and drop/pick up until 3:00 PM. and will be free.
There is NO parking directly at North Beach Park on race day – Saturday or Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Shuttle Map :: Download (623 KB)
Arm Chair Fans
Can't make it to the race? Show your support to Jen by commenting on the blog. I'll be posting throughout the weekend. Additionally, I will be photographing Jen all over the course. Between T1 and 2, while she is out on the bike, I will attempt to update the blog with mid-race coverage and photos.
If you haven't already done so, sign up for the Jen Report!