Daily Briefing
Sunday, June 13, 2010
 

Sunday 3:00 p.m. - Update

The Hy-Vee Elite Cup men’s race will start as scheduled at 3:30 p.m.

The threat of severe weather has diminished as a line of thunderstorms crawling across Iowa tracked further north than anticipated.

80th anniversary festivities are in full swing.
 

Sunday 11:30 a.m. - Update

The women’s ITU Elite Cup race will go off at 12:30 p.m. at the scheduled Olympic distance.
Uncertain weather this afternoon means race organizers will decide during the women’s race when to start the men’s competition, scheduled now for 3:30 p.m.

The grounds are soggy, but venders are open, concessions are ready and shuttle buses are running. Check back for race results and further event details as they develop.
 

Sunday 9 a.m. - Update

The Hy-Vee Triathlon for age-group participants -- shortened to a sprint-distance event -- has concluded. The majority of participants finished ahead of the heavy rains that rolled into Raccoon River Park about 8 a.m. Participants still on the course had the option to take shelter or continue, with many opting to stick it out until they crossed the finish line.

We'll be back soon with results of the age-group race.

The women's Elite Cup race slated to begin at 12:30 p.m. is still on schedule at this time, but keep watching here for further updates.
 

Due to the threat of severe weather, organizers have decided to shorten the Hy-Vee Triathlon amateur races to a sprint distance, with the 6:00 a.m. start times remaining on schedule.

Storms are expected to roll in shortly after 7:00 a.m.

Organizers say the shorter distance—a 400-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike course and 5k run—minimizes the amount of time athletes will be in the water. The event will utilize a time trial start to get athletes off the course quicker.

Elite cup races are unchanged at this point.

Daily Briefing
Saturday, June 12, 2010

Kids Triathlon Cancelled

Saying Hy-Vee is disappointed to have to cancel the Kids Triathlon this morning is like saying Raccoon River Park received a bit of rain today.

We were on track for our best Kids Tri ever, with participation approaching the 1,000 mark as of bike check-in last night. The kids were excited, the parents were nervous, and we were thrilled with the turnout and with how smoothly the entire registration and check-in process moved along.

All that excitement turned to apprehension this morning when we awoke before dawn to a thunder-and-lightning show. At about 4:45 a.m., officials postponed the event for three hours in the hope the skies would clear. However, heavy rain, thunder and lightning continuing to pound the park at 9 a.m. as children and their parents began to arrive, and the forecast for the rest of the day was uncertain. The beach at swim start was flooded, as was Lincoln Avenue, the east entrance to the park. Signs and barricades had been blown down, part of the sound system had been knocked out and there was standing water everywhere on the course. With the safety of those 1,000 participants and their families and friends our top concern, Hy-Vee made the tough call to cancel the morning’s races.

All registered participants will be contacted next week regarding refund options.

What about tomorrow? What if it rains again?

Triathlons are outdoor events, and as such, they’re at the mercy of the elements. People who compete in triathlons, bike races, road races or other similar events know they generally take place rain or shine – and so it is with the Hy-Vee Triathlon. We do not have the option of delaying the age group race much past the 6 a.m. start time, since the women’s Elite event begins at 12:30.

With that in mind, we’re planning on the Hy-Vee Triathlon beginning promptly at 6 a.m., even if it’s raining and the course is wet and muddy. In the event of weather conditions so severe that competition would pose a danger to athletes or spectators, officials will determine whether to postpone, alter or cancel the event, and immediate steps will be taken to get people to safety and notify the media and volunteers. Check the website at www.hy-veetriathlon.com for the most up-to-date information before setting out for the event.   

Parking and Transportation – What’s changed?

Spectator  and Volunteer Parking – Still encouraged to use the Wells Fargo lot at Jordan Creek Parkway and Mills Civic Parkway. Shuttles start at 3:30 a.m. Overflow parking at Valley High School.

Athlete parking – Unlike in past years, there will be NO grass parking available near Raccoon River Park. (Thank Mother Nature.) Athletes should take the shuttles from Valley West Mall or Valley High School. They will need to ride their bikes back to the shuttle stop – no bikes allowed on the shuttles. Maps from the park to Valley High School/Valley West Mall will be provided, and the route out of the park is marked.

Elite Start List

The most updated lists are available on the ITU website at www.triathlon.org … The biggest field ever --  
53 women and 70 men – will be vying for the largest one-day purse in triathlon history.

Schedule of Events