Toughman Utah Half Race Recap

By Kirsten McCay-Smith
Race Summary for Toughman Utah Half on July 16, 2016
Despite the algae bloom frenzy that engulfed this year’s Toughman, race day went off without a hitch and as far as I could tell, the 220 participants (including me) all ended up with a great race experience.
A few days before race day, the lake was closed due to hot temps initiating a toxic algae bloom. The race directors spent the next 2 days scurrying to find a swim replacement with no success. The company was great at constant communication and keeping us informed every step of the way. There wasn’t enough time to move the race safely to another location, so we settled on a 1.2 mile run, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run.
The race was delayed about 30 minutes since the local police weren’t planning on being out there until after the swim, but after a race meeting outlining the details and a “we are Sparta” type speech given by the energetic race director, we started in 3 waves for the short out-and-back 1.2 mile run. This was designed to spread out the field a little before hopping onto the bike course.
With a quick transition (basically just switching shoes and putting on a helmet), we were off on the 56 mile ride. The course took us through town and out country roads out to West Mountain and back. The course is fast and so many people (including me) posting a PR bike split. There is a total of 417 feet of elevation gain so I think I may have shifted gears 3 times during the entire ride. There was a touch of wind coming back and the last 10 miles to the turnaround and back is chip sealed and pretty rough (which of course got annoying), but other than that, a fairly easy ride.
On a personal note, I flatted about 3 miles to the finish and tried to ride it in. About ½ mile from the finish my tire came off the rim so I had to stop and change it. Lucky for me, the support van showed up about a minute into my change and I had the pleasure of having the Iron Cowboy change my tire. He is a staple at this race but was volunteering since his wife was racing this year.
Heading into the run, the temps were reaching the high 80s/low 90s, but the run course is very protected and shaded. A flat course as well with only 104 feet of elevation gain gave way to more PRs. The 2 loop course had an aid station nearly every mile with cold water, Gatorade, and some other stuff. Within the course there are 4 total out-and-back sections which I loved because you get to see your friends, team mates, and competition. The run was almost entirely on a path along the river and was scenic with lots of activities going on in the river including tubing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and a zip line!!
The finish line was fantastic. For a smaller race, the volunteers and crows were great. There was tons of fruit at the finish (which I love and most races don’t have) to quench my thirst, cool me down, and replenish the nutrients I lost during the hot race. There were also 2 ice baths available which were perfect for me as I immediately had to turn around and drive 8 hours back to Colorado. The race director was in the finish area congratulating each athlete coming into the finishing chute. His energy is amazing and contagious and I am sure is part of what makes this race such a success each year.
Awards started relatively soon after the race (another plus in my opinion). The top male and female overall winners were presented with a crown/tiara and champagne which was fun. They did the whole “shake the bottle and spray it everywhere” thing. Top 3 male and female received a special medal and gift certificate to a local running store and then top 3 in each age group received special awards. The top athletes in each age group also qualified for the Toughman Championship Race in NY later this year.
I was a little bummed about the swim being canceled as I was doing this race for training for Ironman Boulder (perfect timing btw…3 weeks out), I wanted to beat my time from 2 years ago, and I am a good swimmer so the swim gives me an advantage in where I place in a race. But I know there is nothing we can do about Mother Nature. In fact, they moved the race this year from August to July to try to avoid this exact issue!
All in all, the race ran smoothly. I have no complaints. I had a great race and everyone I spoke with did as well. I would for sure do it again as it’s an easy drive from Colorado and a fun low-key long distance triathlon…well, usually it’s a triathlon ☺