Race Coverage

Washed Bikes, S-Pattern Swims and a Gem of a Run Course...

Saturday, 24 June 2023 00:10

By Tim Brown

Ironman Des Moines 70.3 Race Report - Ironman Des Moines has been vacillating between a half and full distance Ironman event. This year was a 70.3 and timing was just about perfect for my planned build up to the full distance Ironman Wisconsin in September. I was pleased to see the event sell out resulting in tight quarters in transition. The weather was a bit unsettled with rain giving the mandatory checked bikes a good washing the night before the race. Race morning was cool and windy with gusts in the 25 MPH range.

The swim takes place in Grays Lake Park. A great location, although remote parking results in a half mile walk while loaded with gear to transition. Once you’re transition is set-up, there’s another walk to the far side of the lake to the swim start. Grays Lake was protected enough from the wind to remain fairly calm. The cool weather just barely allowed for a wetsuit legal race. The point to point swim makes a “S” pattern around the lake with a self-seeded time trial start.

The bike is a bit of a patch work of out and backs and turn arounds. Crews were out days before the race patching roads. There were a few rough patches and sections road construction to navigate but the biggest challenge was...

the wind. The bike featured race sponsor Piedmontese Meat Challenge with a $100 gift card for the fastest in each age group between mile 20 and mile 23 of the bike course. Although it’s not the greatest race plan, I couldn’t help myself, and put the hammer down in that segment.

The run is the gem of this race. Most the course is on bike paths taking you on two loops, following the river into the downtown area. There was lots of crowd support, volunteers, and good aid stations as is typical with most Ironman events.

Ironman finish chutes are always great experiences with lots of crowd support and energy. Racers enjoy a nice selection of hot food, cold drinks, and great volunteer support. The shuttle ride back to transition offers an opportunity to meet fellow racers and talk about the day. All in all a good day with an age group win and overall good experience. Given we are likelihood of dwindling 70.3 race options next year, Ironman Des Moines is worth consideration.