Comments on: Ironman Craps on Its Brand with Lake Stevens 70.3

By: Irateman

Irateman — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:12:15 +0000

Living in Penticton, I’ve come to hate the Ironman. If it only was one day, it would be bearable, but weeks before the race the iron monkeys flock in, riding all over the road interrupting traffic for the people who will be faced with the real cost of the event, paying the taxes. For some reason these assletes think they’re entitled to use our roads as they please because they pay an entrance fee. The course cuts the town in half like the berlin wall, pissing people off even more with hour long waits to cross town. Stay home and save us the trouble.

By: ekat22

ekat22 — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:28:20 +0000

I did this race last year. It is only the second tri I have done, so I don’t have much to compare it to. I thought the swim was fine. The underwater cable was really helpful. I swam without a wetsuit and the temp was great. I did not think it was dirty, but maybe I was too scared to notice. haha
The bike was a harder course than I had expected, and I too was concerned by the traffic! I also would have liked more aid/water stations during the bike. The run section was fine. More support along the way would have helped. All together, if you are already in the area, I would not oppose this race as strongly as others have. However, because of the destination, it’s probably not the best race to travel to.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:55:04 +0000

Wow, 17 Ironman races and this one still sticks out in your mind as the worst? That says a lot — thanks for the feedback. I certainly hope they retool this course or just move it entirely.

By: sandi

sandi — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:23:22 +0000

It’s amusing to read these comments as I did this race in it’s first year and vowed never again. It is as has been reported. Dirty swim, bike course that is difficult by virtue of traffic that is a real threat to your safety-no hyperbole here and an ok run course. Overall, it is a pathetic race from packet to finish. Food, a joke. I’ve done 17 Ironman races in the WTC organization and don’t know why this half is allowed to continue under their auspice. We do these races for enjoyment and accomplishment-we pay the huge entry fees based on the premise of safety and support-this race should fold up and never return. Trust me-GIVE IT A PASS AND SAVE YOUR MONEY AND PUT YOUR SAFETY FIRST!!!!!!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:49:37 +0000

Hi Sarah! I’m happy to hear that your brother is an exception to the rule. Hopefully the Ironman organizers will improve the race or pick a better spot in Washington to host their 70.3. Good luck with whichever race you decide to do!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:17:48 +0000

I just happened upon your website while searching for race reviews. My brother lives in Lake Stevens and I’ve visited him there several times. He’s different from the residents you describe but I’ve seen his neighbours and I’m not surprised that you saw what you saw! I love Seattle and I think Washington is beautiful so I’ve put the Lake Stevens 70.3 on my list of races to do – until now! I feel like you saved from a horrible race experience. I’ll visit my brother in Lake Stevens but no racing there for me!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:05:07 +0000

I race Lake Stevens in 2009 and came away with mixed impressions. The Race Expo was pathetic, as was the schwag. For $200+ I want a frickin’ hat! I actually enjoyed the race itself, and the swim course was great with the underwater cable to follow. I had no problems with the bike or run courses. It would be nice to have the bike course closed to vehicle traffic.

I came and pre-rode the bike course in Spring 2009 and had one of the incidents that you speak of with the local redneck contingent. Some honking asshole in the prerequisite truck. To be fair though, I’ve had the same behavior here in Coeur d’Alene on the north part of the IM course. I think IQ and social skills have an inversely proportionate relationship to the distance from town.

Believe it or not, I’m back and racing Lake Stevens this year, without the pre-ride this time. The only reason I’m racing there is to support the Paralyzed Veterans of America (hooray for them!), so cheer for the 5 of us in PVA kits! Otherwise, no way I’d do this race again. I also left similar comments on the Active.com website.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:21:45 +0000

I signed up for Lake Stevens this summer. I think the biggest problem in these redneck areas is the driver – biker friction. I had a half-full tallboy tossed at me from a car passing at around 50mph when I was training out near Darrington. I expect more of the same at Lake Stevens unless they close the road to traffic, which would be the best solution. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for a half day race.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:59:48 +0000

@TriMoot — There are a lot of good cycling spots in the Washington area. Maybe it’s just, as you said, a few “hillbilly” areas that don’t take kindly to cyclists.

@Sabrina — Yeah, a lot of my friends do Lake Stevens every year simply because it’s the only local 70.3 available. I’m doing Boise again this year because despite the annoying afternoon start time, I still think it’s better run than Lake Stevens.

@Neil — I honestly hope the organizers took the criticisms into consideration and are making strides to improve the race. I’m personally not a fan of the course or the town, but the IM folks can still at least try to make the experience good by giving stellar service and organizing it well.

By: Neil

Neil — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:10:48 +0000

I paid the entrance fee and am comitted to this race, I hope it isn’t as bad as they say it was. Hopefully the organizers took the negative comments into consideration and improved the race. If it is at all like they say it was this will be my only time racing this race. I signed up because its the closest to home if I could re-do my sign up i would change to Calgary or Boise. I went to the town it doesn’t have much but looked ok. Course is quite windy but not too bad when I drove it.