I need to give props to Aaron, Shaun and Travis for making this happen. They did a great job and I’m sure that the race will grow if they stick with it. The schwag itself is worth mentioning. Athletes were given a Race Tri gym bag and t-shirt. Finishers were given a very slick medal and finishers t-shirt. The aid stations were frequent and well stocked. The bike water bottles didn’t work well in my bike bottle cages. I’m sure they will remedy this next year.

Utah Half is a course that most people would call “fast.” However, going 70.3 miles is never easy for me. I’m sure the top guys can feel the speediness of this course more then a middle or back of the packer.

Below are my thoughts about the course:

Swim – The swim was a pretty standard. If the big waves of Utah Lake were a concern for you, you shouldn’t worry about it. Swimmers never leave the boat harbor, so, you are never exposed to the uncertain conditions of Utah Lake. The boat ramp swimmers exited on was mossy. From what I hear, the first few guys/gals out of the water struggle to get out, but by the time I was out volunteers had athletes walking on netting.

Bike – Those having participated in the defunct Utah Half Ironman know the bike course well. It was almost identical. It is a flat, fast ride with some winds to deal with. There are a few rollers and maybe a false flat or two. Nothing to freak people out about though.

Apparently there were a few people who took a wrong turn on the bike. I have to admit that there was a time or two where I wondered if I was going the right way or not. But, just as soon as the thought occurred I would run into a course marker telling me I was headed the right direction. So, following the course was never a problem for me.

Run – Flat run. Utah Half’s run was a series of three out-and-backs. The first portion took runners on a dirt road along the Utah Lake shore. It briefly begins shady but you are quickly exposed to the sun. The other two out-and-backs were along the Provo river trail, which has plenty of shade. It was a nice run that allowed you to gauge your progress throughout the event.

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