Race Profile: Pee Dee Triathlon

I want to give a quick profile of the Pee Dee Triathlon I raced a few weeks ago. This is race #8 in the SC Tri Series, and the first Setup race I've done this year that did not hit max capacity. Max is 350 and there were just over 300 finishers.

This race is just south of Florence, SC. It's a rural setting for sure. I think the actual town is Timmonsville or maybe Darlington. It's held at a private residence on a man-made ski lake. Leaving from Mt. Pleasant, you can get there in 2hrs 30min. But be careful, it's tough to find coming from I-95. The directions are good if your traveling via I-20, but completely jacked up otherwise. I knew where I was going this year, but last year, got completely lost and barely made the start.

The Swim
The 700 mtr swim is in the ski lake, complete with slalom buoys and ski jumps. You'll start in waist-deep water with your wave. At the sound of the horn, it's one clockwise loop around three buoys then head back toward the beach. Once you exit the water, you have a good 150 yards to transition. Water temps are in the mid-80s, so no wetsuit.

The Bike
The 15 mile bike is your typical country back roads deal. Lots of fields, farms, trailers, and barns. Road conditions are pretty decent once you get out on the pavement. However, the first 3/4 is on a dirt road. Portions of the road are real sandy and impossible to get through without sliding. Last year, people were falling all over the place. This year they put a 'sport court surface' down, which is essentially large pieces of heavy foam/plastic. This worked nicely and nobody seemed to have any trouble.

You're told not to race this section of the course. That just means don't pass anyone. You can get up to around 20 MPH on this surface.

The Run
The 5k run is 3 laps around the lake, completely off road. There is little elevation change, but parts of the trail are a bit sandy and offer poor footing. And, by this time in the race, it's starting to get really hot. There is a water station that you'll pass 3 times offering water and a Hammer Heed mix.

The race shirt this year was a nice cool max material and sleeveless. Moe's provided the post race meal. Vendor's, race photography, course officials, and lots of volunteers were on site. Great awards, split and transition times provided, and good music. As always, Setup hooks it up and puts on a great race.