IM Cozumel Race Review

On November 29th I competed in my final race of the season, the inaugural IM Cozumel.
Here is the race review:
Ironman Cozumel—2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run
November 29, 2009
Entry fee: $550
Hotels: Lots of choices and all are fairly close to the start (the Island is not that big). We stayed at the Residencias Reef Condos about 3 miles from the start and on the bike course. Go to http://cozumelvillas.com/
Travel: We flew into Cancun and then took the ferry to Cozumel. This worked out well and was less expensive than flying into Cozumel. Go to http://www.travelyucatan.com/cozumel_ferry.php We also rented a car while we were there, which worked out great.
Restaurants: Just what you would expect in a resort town—no issues with eating out or from the food bought at the grocery store. Be sure to stick with bottled water…
Race Packet: Very nice fleece jacket.
Course:
Swim—Non-wetsuit, open water start in the ocean. One loop along the coast against the current and then turning back finishing with the current. There was a long carpeted run to the transition area.
Bike—The course was three flat, windy loops around the island. The wind picked up with each loop. There were spectators throughout the course and lots in town.
Run—The run was three loops that took you through town (lots of cheering spectators) and out toward the airport and back (a bit lonely out here). It was flat and hot—wind in your face on the way out and a vacuum on the way back.
Aid Stations: The bike had aid stations every 10 miles or so, fully stocked. The run aid stations were every ‘K’ with plenty of choices (water, Gatorade, coke, gels, bars, etc.)
Volunteers: Friendly, helpful volunteers.
Expo: Usual Ironman branded expo—pricey…
Finisher T-shirt: Very nice black dri-fit short sleeve t-shirt.
Timing: Chip timing
Awards: ? Did not attend the ceremony…
Award ceremony: Dinner the next day--did not attend.
Post Race Food: Drinks, pizza, fruit.
Parking: This was difficult as the course was closed to traffic. We were able to park at the swim start and then our support crew was able to drive close to town to set-up shop around the bike-to-run transition and finish area.
Porta Potties: Facilities at the swim start and porta potties at the transition area.
Transition Areas: There were two transition areas. At the bike check-in the day before, you were to leave your bike and both transition bags at the start (they transported bike-to-run bag to T2). T2 was located in the center of town. Then on race morning you just had to drop off your special needs bags at the start.
Waves: The pros went off about 15 minutes before the age-groupers.

Synopsis:
What a beautiful venue for an Ironman!!! The course was really nice and very challenging with the wind and heat. We were pretty fortunate as the sun was not too hot on race day—the clouds were in and out all day and we had some drizzle on the run. It was great to have a closed bike course and the fan support in town was terrific. The Island did a great job hosting the race—everyone we came across was very welcoming and helpful. If you are looking for a “destination” IM race, this is it!!!!

Rating: 4.5 CRANKS

Scale:
1 CRANK = Don't even think about doing this race...
2 CRANKS = Hmmmmm, a last resort...
3 CRANKS = Not bad, you get what you pay for...
4 CRANKS = Solid event all around...
5 CRANKS = Can't miss, a must-do race...