Ironman Lake Placid is the premier event for elite triathletes. Outside of the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, at Lake Placid's inception in 1999 it was the only other Ironman event in the United States. Now one of several Ironman events it still holds the distinction of the longest running - and for good reason - our course is challenging, our village is welcoming, and our setting is downright perfect for extending race day into a vacation. Traditionally the Lake Placid race takes place on a Sunday in late July.
The competitors love Lake Placid because of its spectacular course views, nearly infinite options for recreation, and Lake Placid's amazing hospitality. Racers frequently comment about the unbelievable support from spectators throughout the entire race course. Many of the racers are both engaging and humorous as they pass by cheering crowds of spectators. It's simply an amazing race and you will finish the day as a spectator with great respect and awe for the accomplishments of the athletes who have dedicated many, many months training for this event. You will hear them thank their amazing families for "putting up with" the intense training regimens they complete prior to race day.
Over the years many of us locals have developed a system for spectating and getting around during race day. Several roads are closed completely in the village and our main highways to the East and South are limited to one way traffic for the better part of the day.
Activity centers around the Speedskating Oval transition area where athletes transition from one race leg to the next. However, there are many other areas not so congested and offering great viewing. Walk around and get away from the main viewing area if you want to get out of the crowd for a bit. Some of the outlying aid stations are really fun to watch in action as the athletes pass by - many have themes and often there's contagious music playing. It's really fun to hang out near them and get into the action, just make sure you don't get in their way - they are performing an important task!
Driving the course from Lake Placid to Wilmington to Jay to Keene and back into Lake Placid can be lots of fun as well. Plan on it taking you much longer than normal and expect to be stopped in traffic several times. Park your car where it's safe and get out and cheer on the athletes on some of the remote areas. They really appreciate the support in those outlying areas with few spectators - especially on the uphill portions!
The video above will give you some insider information on what the retail community is up to this weekend. There are lots of sales, specials and extra hours being promoted out there this week, so get out there and join the fun. Carpe diem!
TOP 10 LOCALS' TIPS
1. Don't miss the swim start at 6:30 am in Mirror Lake. It is the single most exciting event you're likely to ever witness as nearly 2,500 competitors enter the water in a series of class/ability waves for the 2.4 mile swim.
2. Pay attention to weather forecast, dress in layers and wear good walking shoes. It can be chilly on race morning, but also very hot during mid-afternoon and chilly again in the evening. Adirondack weather can change dramatically and quickly, so be prepared.
3. Have a breakfast plan in advance. Many downtown restaurants will open at 3 or 4 a.m., so get in early as it's always very, very busy prior to race start. Bring a thermos and have it filled so you don't have to go back and stand in line for those necessary second and third cups of coffee!
4. If you're looking for something to do away from the race, go shopping for a bit, rent a boat on Mirror Lake or Lake Placid or break for lunch - all great ways to have a little break from the downtown mayhem.
5. Walk down to the Station Street-Sentinel Road intersection. It's a great hot spot for watching both bike and run legs at the same time and it has a long view. Also either the aid station at Lamb Lumber or Lisa G's generally have music and you can also get a bite to eat.
6. Don't drag your dog along! We've spoken to a number of dogs and they tell us they really don't like Ironman (I know, hard to imagine anyone not liking Ironman, huh?). They say the crowds, the heat and the noise are just too much for them and they'd rather stay home. Go back and take them for a swim mid-day!
7. Pick up or download a copy of the 2017 Ironman Lake Placid Spectator Guide and keep it with you. It will explain the road closures, detours and one way highways with a map for reference and other handy information. It is available at the Lake Placid Visitor Center at 2608 Main Street.
8. Since I live on Route 73 half way between Lake Placid and Keene and need to know this info, I've found that the Eastbound lane of Route 73 to Keene re-opens generally mid- to late-afternoon, sometime after 3 pm. If you need to travel that way and don't want to drive around through Wilmington this is good to know. The time is never exact as the road is generally reopened Eastbound as soon as the last cyclist passes through Keene. Do plan to encounter delays until midnight near the Olympic Jumping Complex due to it being part of the run course with that short section having only one lane open with alternating traffic.
9. Make sure you stay up and take part in the late night Finish Line Party at the Transition. It is amazing, exciting and moving to watch the last of the competitors being cheered on by the huge crowd, led by the Voice of Ironman, Mike Riley. The words, "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!", belted out by Riley as each finisher cross the line brings goose bumps nearly every time. The late night finishers hear and feel every bit of the encouragement you bring to them at the end of this incredibly long and gruelling race. You won't be the same after witnessing some of these exceptional individuals finish Ironman Lake Placid - 140+ miles - in 17 hours or less.
10. Leave your car and ride your bike around town on race day (or walk). Remember, however, do not ride ON the course (you'll get yelled at and that's embarrassing!)
Your experience on Ironman race day will leave you with a new admiration for the athletes who compete (many do so year after year). Who knows? You may decide you want to take the plunge and race in an upcoming Ironman Lake Placid. Have fun, stay safe, cheer a lot and always keep the competitors in mind whatever you do on race day. Their safety and welfare is the most important thing to remember.
If you have any cool tips to share, please share them in the comments section below, and thanks.
See you on the course!
*Editor's note: The video at the top of this blog highlights past race specials. While the same offerings may not be available this year, our businesses always have an array of new and fun specials for spectators and racers!
