Vineman Ironman 70.3
Windsor, CA
Official Website : http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/vineman70.3
Date : July 18, 2010
Race Type : Triathlon and Multisport
Race Distance : 1.2 mi. swim 56 mi. bike 13.1 mi. run
Race Description: This event has truly become one of the most popular long course triathlons in the country. Perhaps it is the 12 run-course aid stations that serve literally a ton of food, or the 800 enthusiastic volunteers, or the awesome Sonoma County scenery which have made this race so popular. Traversing through wineries and vineyards, the Vineman Ironman 70.3 takes competitors along some of northern California's most gorgeous coastline.
Now serving as a qualifier for the Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3, the event was a Kona Qualifier from 1994 to 2007. The route is not particularly harsh, and combined with its interesting course features, Vineman is an excellent event for both the novice and the experienced racer. The point-to-point event begins at Johnsons Beach in Guerneville and takes entrants past literally hundreds of vineyards, dozens of wineries, and passes through four different grape growing regions (the Russian River Region, the Dry Creek Valley, the Alexander Valley, and Chalk Hill) before it finishes up in at Windsor High School (just north of Santa Rosa).
3 Reviews for Vineman Ironman 70.3
This is a great annual race, in fact all of the races run by Vineman are worth doing.
I made the unfortunante mistake of not training for this Half Ironman so my general experience was pretty low, but I can't blame the race organizers.
The course is great, the bike is fast and the run course is pretty easy only a couple rolling hills. My only complaint is that the swim can be a bit shallow at times but no big deal.
Word of advice: be ready for hot weather, every time I visit Windsor regardless of the race it's in the 90s. The weekend i did this race it was close to 95 so be sure and hydrate before hand and get your mind around the fact that it will be hot out there.
I've done this race a few times and always had a great time. It can get pretty hot but it's a fun course.
I've raced this amazingly organized race 4 times and will be back again this year.The course is challenging, but being surrounded by vineyards and other amazing triathletes adds motivation.