TriHive recently caught up with Boise 70.3 race director, Keith Hughes to get his take on the inaugural race held on June 1, 2008.
TriiHive (TH:): Why was Boise chosen as a 70.3 site?
Keith Hughes (KH): After meeting with the World Triathlon Staff in Lake Las Vegas Resort for our Iron Girl event WTC was thrilled with that venue they asked if I had any other great locations for an event. Boise was my automatic answer (for several reasons) First it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country (City of Trees). Second it is the most pro-athletic communities I know of - period. It seems almost everyone is into some sort of outdoor activity. Third, the local triathlon community is very strong and growing.
TH: What other races have you directed?
KH: I have directed over 20 triathlons during the last 5 years. From Lake Las Vegas to Metroman in Asbury Park, New Jersey. This year we have added the Aflac Iron Girl Lake Las Vegas which will be televised on NBC nationwide.
TH: How was the course chosen?
KH: Ironman likes to showcase the special features of each venue that hosts an Ironman/70.3 event. The bike course features all of the terrain Boise has to offer, including a climb to the Birds of Prey Sancturary and ride through downtown Boise. The Boise Greenbelt (see Why Boise above) is a beautiful run and bike trail along the Boise River which runs through the heart of the City. It is completely shaded and completely flat. There is not a better inner city run anywhere and really showcases Boise.
TH: Can you tell us little about the main staging area and the terrain of the different legs of the race?
KH: The Race will be centered around Boise’s BoDo District. With T2 and the finish line block apart. Both host hotels sit between T2 and the finish line. The district is lined with restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and shops. The awards ceremony will be outdoors at the Boise Center.
TH: Would you consider it fast (i.e.easy or difficult)?
KH: The course should be extremely fast. There are two short steep climbs on the bike course, but it is mainly rolling terrain with the final three miles descending gradually into downtown.
TH: Will it ever be considered as a Saturday race?
KH: This year the event is on Sunday because T2 is on the main road into down town. We can not close that road until after rush hour on Friday (same for our finish line area) which would not give us enough time to set those areas up, and have athletes check their gear bags into the transition area. We are very seriously looking at slight location modifications for 2009 to move the race to Saturday. I realize the importance to the regional athletes for Saturday events which is why all of our Las Vegas races are on Saturdays.
TH: Anything else athletes should know about the event?
KH: The City of Boise and the local businesses are really rolling out the welcome mat for this event. I think the athletes will not only find a great race course but unmatched hospitality. It is also a great course if you have friends and family that want to watch you race. With T2 right downtown and the run course making two loops through BoDo, less then 50 yards from the finish line the action will be easy to see.
TH: What is the breakdown for 70.3 Worlds slots?
KH: 5 Pro slots, 45 age group slots.
For more information about the Boise 70.3 event, visit www.ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/boise70.3
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