Why would they shorten it? Everyone should have been well aware that it would be hot and humid out there.

I didn't know triathletes had this reputation

One thing I've noticed over the past season or so is the dramatic increase in newcomers to the sport. While this is fantastic for triathlon, I'm starting to appreciate how it can be a nightmare for race directors.

For example, a marathon is running. That's it. From a race management perspective, it's a fairly controlled and limited venue.

With a triathlon, you have three venues, spread out over a large area, for which you must ensure the participant's safety. One race director shortened the swim two years ago after a former collegiate swimmer, now in his 40s, decided to give tris a go and ended up having a heart attack in the middle of the lake. It nearly pulled all of the RD's resources off the course to get this guy out and it really spooked the RD. I'm sure the liability RDs have to shoulder keeps them up at night.

Combine a litigious society with a lot of new people looking to test their physical and mental capacity, perhaps with a misguided perception of what that capacity really is, and you have a recipe for disaster.

I wouldn't show up if they shortened the race. You are supposed to be prepared for the race and that includes what Mother Nature throws at you, we would all like race days with no wind and temps in the 60's, but that does not happen every time so you need to think of that when you sign up for the race. If it is going to be hot, you need to adjust your strategy accordingly. As the old saying goes, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

This particular race isn't in Alabama. Rather far from it, actually.

I do agree with the general sentiment, though. If it's hot, know your limits and go a little slower if you have to. BYOBs, too, b/c races have been known to run short of fluids in these conditions.

Exactly - this isn't Flatabama. After pre-riding the run and bike courses, this course will flat kick your ass in the best conditions. Check the finishing times from previous years - and factor in that temps were about 10 to 20 less.

This was a simple question seeking input from a supposed experienced audience. Before you pull the prima donna card, check the mirror.

I'm personally looking forward to it. I've raced in 96 degrees and it was a suffer-fest. I think it'll better prepare me for hell when I get there.

I also think the message from the rd is just to cover their butts. And I hope nothing happens to anyone since that will most likely have a wider impact than just his race.

And btw, the RD is Brad Kearns.

tsilcyc, good luck with the race. This race sounds like it might be worse than hell. The self proclaimed "hardest half in the world" in near 100 degree with stagnant air, good luck my friend.

Nobody mentioned this. Harden the f up!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=unkIVvjZc9Y

I would definitely feel cheated if the race was shortened. This year I am doing Ironman Cd'a and we had an extremely long winter here in the northwest. The water temperature is 42 degrees right now and they are predicting that the temp for the race may only get into the low 50's because there is still so much snow left in the mountains. There is talk that the swim may be cancelled, but I would be really bummed if they did that because of the fact that I have been looking forward to doing this race since I was a spectator 5 years ago.

Auburn Update:

"Half-Iron Distance Stays!
Thank you for the effusive feedback and the overwhelming votes to keep the run course 13.1 miles. Our updated weather forecast looks better with 95 degree high and partly cloudy.

While you will still run 13.1 miles, I have decided to change the run course as follows:

13.1 mile runners complete two laps of the Loop #1/10k course (second lap includes an out and back section to make 6.2miles+6.9miles = 13.1). My reasons are as follows:

Lap 1 is on canyon ridge exposed to prevailing breeze and good shade sections. Lap 1 is easier to support for medical and aid stations, provides outstanding views of the river canyon, 100% good footing

The Deleted Lap 2 on the Western States Trail is opressively hot - 8 degrees hotter than prevailing Auburn temperature. The fire road is severely overgrown (State Parks forbids any trimming w/o 'environmental impact report'!), leaving many areas virtual single track with blind corners for out and back traffic. Footing on the descent to Dam Wall is terrible with loose gravel and big rocks this year.

I've been thinking making this a permanent change anyway. So, we will have a new 2008 two-lap, 13.1-mile run course and enjoy it for years to come. Sorry for the late notice, but I'm confident I make the best decision with your safety and enjoyment in mind. See you in Auburn this weekend and thanks for your consideration and comments!"

I like lap courses because you don't have to memorize as many turns...not a huge issue on the run, but on the bike it can be a pretty big problem even with a moderately well marked course.

As for spectators and RDs, lap courses are definitely the way to go.

Well, I'm here to report that it was definitely the World's Toughest Half. Weather.com reported a whopping 102 degrees and it was everything I imagined it would be. By the time I crossed the finish line, I wanted nothing more than shade and a cold beverage. What a festival of suffering.