Location
|
Eilat, Israel
|
Race
website
|
|
Time
of year held
|
January
|
Approx
Athlete Numbers
|
175
|
Does
it typically sell out?
|
No
|
One
word description for the event
|
Brutal
|
Good
for first iron distance race?
|
Only if up for a challenge
|
Tips for overseas athletes getting to the venue:
- Work out if you can fly direct to Eilat (race HQ on Red Sea), or Tel Aviv, then drive through the Negev desert (along the course) or a short internal flight.
- Security is incredibly forbidding in Israel and you will need at least six months left on your passport.
SWIM
One
word description for the swim
|
Warm
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
2 laps, beach exit between laps.
|
Typically
wetsuit-legal?
|
Yes
|
Swim
course description
|
Ocean, mass start
|
Swim tips
- Busy course for the half, less so for the full (half distance athletes start 10min behind full distance athletes), but take heed of that in deciding your strategy and also note position of the sun.
BIKE
One
word description for the bike
|
Hilly
|
GPS
map link for the bike course
|
|
Video
link for the bike course
|
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
combination
|
Bike Course description
- Leaving T1 on shores of the Red Sea, spend a few kms in Eilat before a 20km climb switch back after switch back to the top of the Negev desert mountain. From there you bike the rollers back and forth alongside the imposing Egyptian fenceline, before alighting at T2, still on top of the mountain.
Bike Course tips
- The big climb out of Eilat would be worth looking at.
- The temperature can also be markedly different at sea level and 1,000m up.
RUN
One
word description for the run
|
Plummeting
|
GPS
map link for the run course
|
|
Video
link for the run course
|
|
Single
or multi-lap course?
|
combination
|
Run course description
- The first 10km is straight down the side of the mountain. Nail-blackening speed, as long as you are not braking too much with every stride.
- It then turns to laps in Eilat, hugging the Red Sea coastline where temperatures can warm up significantly.
Run course tips
- Learn to run downhill and think about footwear (you may want a more cushioned heel) to protect your quads as much as possible for the bulk of the run on the flat.
SUPPORTERS
Tips for supporters get the most out of watching the
event?
- Stay by the sea and enjoy yourself.
- If you can time it right perhaps head up the mountain road for the initial climb and then run descent.
Great places to eat:
- Partner race hotels (three or four) will probably provide the best spreads, but ask local organisers.
- I remember an amazing post-race burger joint.
Best bike or tri shop in town:
- See organisers.
Best pick for accommodation:
- Contact race organisers for help with partner hotels.
Best things for the kids to do:
- The sea.
Cool things to do after the race:
- Eat, drink, relax by the sea.
Any warnings that people should know about before
entering:
- It's tough and potentially windy.
- Times are circa one hour slower than an average iron distance course.
OVERALL
General tips:
Best thing about this race:
- Seeing the isolation of the Negev desert. Not sure if it was closed roads but it might as well have been.
Anything negative about this race:
- Security is always imposing in the part of the world, and it can be unsettling, but that would be a shame if it stopped people travelling.
RACE REPORTS AND OTHER VIDEO LINKS SUPPLIED
- Israman Eilat 2009 – seen as one of the more testing Isramans.
Have you done this race?
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