2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW. I actually had a recap written for all of our events in 2017. I got bored with it. Instead, here are a list of things we sucked at in 2017 and what we'll unsuck in 2018.
2017: THE YEAR IN REVIEW. I actually had a recap written for all of our events in 2017. I got bored with it. Instead, here are a list of things we sucked at in 2017 and what we'll unsuck in 2018.
Recap:
Hops Trot: Nothing, anytime you involve beer with running only funny things can happen. If you're the type of runner who takes your "times" serious, don't sign up for this. The 700+ athletes who attended had a blast and we're gonna BLOW THE ROOF off the Atlantic City Beer Fest in 2018. Additions for 2018: Stay tuned.
Escape the Cape: We had many, many improvements for the 2017 edition of this award-winning triathlon. BUT, if there is something we can get better at it is our swim course design. We had quite a few athletes get swept around the rocks as they approached the swim finish by the West End Jetty. This is not acceptable for us. To remedy this in 2018, we are going to push the swim finish up the beach to finish at Lincoln Blvd. This will virtually guarantee we do not have ANY ISSUES with the West End Jetty. Additions: the Escape the Cape Open Water Classic and Dolphin Escape 1 Miler is set to precede the triathlon on SATURDAY, June 9th. Check delmosports.com for details.
Atlantic City Triathlon: The race was AWESOME in 2017. Extending both the bike and run to keep more in line with Olympic distance racing was a huge bonus and the finish in front of Boardwalk Hall truly made this the "Ultimate Training Race" for IM 70.3 AC. HOWEVER, the shuttle busses STUNK. We realized through trial and error there is no effective way to get busses to/from Bader to Boardwalk Hall during the height of the event. Additions: the northern end of the boardwalk construction is scheduled to be completed in 2018, stay tuned for an altered course that virtually eliminates any additional running on Bader Field.
Tri the Wildwoods: This is my baby. The one that started it all. Never in a billion years did I think a sailboat would wash ashore DIRECTLY IN OUR SWIM COURSE at 4am race morning... well, I can now cross that off the list. To those of you who complained about running on the sand... pick a different race. Love you! Additions to 2018: 100% Legit kids’ triathlon: swim, bike, run.
IRONMAN 70.3 Atlantic City: I loved the second running of IMAC 70.3, but if I could go back I would have added more shade tents for our athletes at the pre-race meetings and better control of our swim staging area. Additions for 2018: IMAC 70.3 will have camping in 2018. IMAC 70.3 will be the Wildflower of 70.3 racing... ALSO, as we mentioned for TRI AC, the northern section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is set to be complete, this will eliminate almost ALL extra mileage on Bader Field and lead to a better run course with added ocean views and breezes!
R.I.P. Escape to Lewes Open Water Classic: What can I say? We were 1000% ready to go by 5pm Friday night... then the Gods got angry my friends. But, I feel this unfortunate occurrence happened FOR DelMoSports, not TO DelMoSports. From the ashes of Lewes comes "Escape Weekend" in Cape May. We will now be incorporating an Open Water Swim with our award-winning triathlon. We believe this is best for all parties involved and are certain to have a great, safe, and FAST (5kt current) swim! Additions for 2018: As we clearly stated, the concept of Escape to Lewes is done. This swim will now be a part of Escape Weekend in Cape May on June 9, 2018. HOWEVER, we have something brewing on the horizon... stay tuned.
Top 5 Need To Knows for 2018 racing with DelMoSports:
1. Before registering with DelMoSports... put specific dates on your calendar to spend time with people (or pets) who enrich your life... this is critical to living a happy life.
2. Save $30 on IRONMAN 70.3 Atlantic City. Priority Registration for Tri Clubs, IMAC Alumni and Volunteers OPENS OCTOBER 24th @ 6am. If this pertains to you, you will receive an email with further details soon!
3. No Tri Club, No Team, No Problem. Registration Opens on November 1. This is the BEST opportunity to save the MOST money on your 2018 racing journey regardless of club or team affiliation. "Remember, Remember, Register in November!"
4. There are NEW EVENTS coming your way in 2018. Be patient.
5. Purchase the Registration Protector when registering. I know, I know, but TRUST ME, the best investment you can make is in yourself and you need to PROTECT THAT INVESTMENT... and it works. I purchased registration protector for Eagleman 70.3 last year. Guess what? I was unable to compete due to an injury and received my $340 check 10 days after the event. Score.
Best,
Stephen Del Monte