The HITS Triathlon Series which recently announced its special amenities for all those in attendance just did something that will significantly improve its market share in the field of full iron distance triathlon racing in U.S.
When the series was announced back in July with 12 races across the county featuring five triathlon distances at each event (Open, Sprint, Olympic, Half, Full) is looked like quite an amazing venture. On the outside everything looked straight forward especially for the standard distances, but upon further review it was discovered that some of the distances were not adding up to the standards. Some races had distances that were shorter or longer than the norm, especially on several of the Full iron distance triathlon races.
Ironman / WTC established the distance that has become the norm of all Ironman and Iron Distance triathlons here and around the world; a 2.4mi Swim, 112mi Bike 26.2mi Run. Any event organizer that wants to compete with them and have their race be an iron distance or full triathlon will replicate those established distances and not be miles off. Some people don't mind if they race a name brand or independent event, the thing is they want to make sure it's 140.6 miles so they can have the same bragging right as others doing name brand races.
This is the one thing that the folks behind the HITS Triathlon Series might not have realized initially when coming up with their courses and distances. We'll the good news is that they have heard the positive and negative feedback on that and have decided to make a significant change. Based on an email reply from HITS organizers, it' states that that ALL HITS events will feature standard "full" triathlon distances at all locations. Great news! An awesome adjustment on their part! Great customer service! So now all triathletes doing any of the the HITS Full races can have the same 140.6 bragging rights as others when they finish.
James Lawrence (@TriAndGiveADam) who is working on racing in 30 Iron Distance triathlons in 2012 had this to say about the news on Twitter:
"@HITSTriSeries just made my day. Announced that their 'FULL' distance will now be the full 2.4, 112, 26.2! Thank you!!"
"@HITSTriSeries More excited than you know to do all 12 events and support this awesome new race series. Boom Baby!"
A follow up twitter message posted this morning from Race Director Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonHTS) states:
"@TriAndGiveADam @trijuice It's our pleasure...enjoy!!!"
"We heard feedback from many triathletes that they loved the locations, number of events and amenities, but preferred a race distance that is more familiar with what they are use to, and HITS is happy to oblige," said Mark Wilson, race director of the HITS Triathlon Series. "We are committed to making the HITS Triathlon Series the nation's best new race series and value feedback from our triathlete community."
The HITS Triathlon Series, which offers a distance for everyone, recently announced its special amenities for all those in attendance at its races. Here is what you can expect to experience at a HITS Triathlon event:
- • On-site food service for athletes and spectators with a healthy assortment of offerings for purchase
- • Complimentary shuttle transportation for athletes, family and friends where needed
- • Chip timing with remote detection points and text message updates available
- • Individual bike racks with personal seat and box for belongings
- • On-site bike shop/repair at every event
- • Massive score-board with minute-to-minute updates
- • Live streaming coverage of all distances for online and race-day viewing on multiple flat screens throughout course/VIP/transition areas
- • Top-notch VIP tent for athletes, sponsors and family/friends
- • Leaders in all distances will have an escort vehicle (Bike-car/motorcycle; Run-bicycle)
- • Swim courses are marked with 2-meter floats and safety vessels every 20 meters
- • Family/friends welcome to cross finish line with athletes
- • Athlete welcome parties and award ceremonies with free food
- • Champions crowned first through third in one year age groups
- • Dave Scott video tips and online training program
- • Great swag/goodie bags
- • Raceday Transport to provide bike and gear transport services to HITS Triathlon events
In addition to the other standard divisions, a category for Clydesdale and Athena athletes has been added. There will be four categories with the same start and cutoff times:
Clydesdale (Men 200lbs+): 39 and under, 40 and above
Athena (Women 160lbs+): 39 and under, 40 and above
Registration is now open for all events in the HITS Triathlon Series, including the kick-off event in Palm Springs on December 3-4, 2011. Visit www.hitstriathlonseries.com for all the details.
Related Posts:
- HITS Triathlon Series Announces Incentive Programs
- New HITS Triathlon Series Launched in the USA!
