Triathlon is a rapidly growing sport in the state of Wisconsin. There are nearly 30 triathlon races in Wisconsin in the month of August alone. Every year, new races pop up, and established ones fill quicker than you can change a flat bike tire.
Ironman Wisconsin is perhaps the most well-known triathlon in the state, and also the longest with a 2.4-mile open water swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. That's a total of 140.6 miles, as triathlete's bumper stickers across the state will proudly remind you.
I've toed the line several times on hot September mornings (it's the 13th this year) to measure up against the competition at Ironman Wisconsin. This year, I won't be as they have eliminated the professional race in this venue. The silver lining is I get to enjoy the race as a spectator. I've raced or attended this race every year for more than a decade, so sharpen your pencils and get ready to take some tips from a pro.
Here are my top five ways to win the day as a spectator at Ironman Wisconsin:
Trek Bicycle (Waterloo)
On your way into town, stop by Waterloo and visit the Trek Bicycle Company. Weekly tours are led by enthusiastic employees Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Guests can drool over championship bikes in the lobby and atrium and feast their eyes on those of the future in the race shop and the custom paint booth. Many triathletes will race Ironman Wisconsin on bikes hand built in the Waterloo Trek Factory.
Colectivo Coffee at
sunrise (Madison)
Write these times down:
Colectivo Coffee on Pinckney Street opens at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Sunrise on race day is 6:35 a.m.
The race begins at 7 a.m.
Here's your plan: Get yourself a fresh brew from Colectivo Coffee, a trendy little café located in a historic building in downtown Madison and loved by local cyclists. Then follow the pedestrian traffic to the rooftop of Monona Terrace, where you can watch the sunrise dance across Lake Monona in front of a crowd of excited racers and spectators. The nearly 3,000 Ironman Wisconsin athletes start en masse as the gun goes off and it's a beautiful sight to see.
Old Sauk Pass and Timber Lane (Cross Plains)
So, 112 miles is a long way to bike. If you look at a map, you'll notice athletes leave the Monona Terrace and weave their way out of the city towards the fair town of Verona, do a loop, then do it again before heading back to transition. The best place to watch the bike portion of the race is Old Sauk Pass and Timber Lane. This stretch of road is the longest hill on the course and athletes get to do it twice. Watching from this location is nice for spectators because you'll see your athlete two times, and they will be going a bit slower than average, so they'll likely see (and hear) you. Having fans in this location is great for athletes because they're likely in the pain cave, and a familiar face might be all they need to get through it.
State Street (Madison)
One of the best places to watch the run is on State Street. Athletes do a half-marathon loop twice and go up and down State Street both times. If you stand still, you'll see your athlete run past four times. The street is closed off to vehicle traffic and lined with spectators sipping frosty beverages and snacking on unique Wisconsin treats, such as cheese curds and popcorn. The race finishes between the State Capitol and the Monona Terrace, so from the top of State Street, it's a short walk to the finish line.
Memorial Union (Madison)
On the other end of State Street, you'll find the Memorial Union. This gem of a hangout is another local favorite. On any given summer evening, you'll be hard-pressed to find a seat, but the scavenger hunt that ensues to find one is worth the pay off. On race day athletes will run right past the Memorial Union as they exit State Street and trudge up the only real hill on the run course. After you've cheered your athlete on, grab a pitcher of tap beer and enjoy people-watching and a glorious view of Lake Mendota. If you stick around past sunset you'll likely hear some live music. Make sure you don't leave without a scoop of the Orange Custard Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Sounds weird. Tastes amazing.
Ironman Wisconsin is an amazingly well-run race and is known in the triathlon community as one of the best when it comes to rowdy and supportive fans. As your friends and neighbors get ready to toe the line Sept. 13, make sure you're putting in the recon work to make this your best day of spectating. See you out there.
- Patrick Brady is a guest writer for "Discover Wisconsin."
Ironman Wisconsin is perhaps the most well-known triathlon in the state, and also the longest with a 2.4-mile open water swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. That's a total of 140.6 miles, as triathlete's bumper stickers across the state will proudly remind you.
I've toed the line several times on hot September mornings (it's the 13th this year) to measure up against the competition at Ironman Wisconsin. This year, I won't be as they have eliminated the professional race in this venue. The silver lining is I get to enjoy the race as a spectator. I've raced or attended this race every year for more than a decade, so sharpen your pencils and get ready to take some tips from a pro.
Here are my top five ways to win the day as a spectator at Ironman Wisconsin:
Trek Bicycle (Waterloo)
On your way into town, stop by Waterloo and visit the Trek Bicycle Company. Weekly tours are led by enthusiastic employees Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Guests can drool over championship bikes in the lobby and atrium and feast their eyes on those of the future in the race shop and the custom paint booth. Many triathletes will race Ironman Wisconsin on bikes hand built in the Waterloo Trek Factory.
Colectivo Coffee at
sunrise (Madison)
Write these times down:
Colectivo Coffee on Pinckney Street opens at 6:30 a.m. on Sundays.
Sunrise on race day is 6:35 a.m.
The race begins at 7 a.m.
Here's your plan: Get yourself a fresh brew from Colectivo Coffee, a trendy little café located in a historic building in downtown Madison and loved by local cyclists. Then follow the pedestrian traffic to the rooftop of Monona Terrace, where you can watch the sunrise dance across Lake Monona in front of a crowd of excited racers and spectators. The nearly 3,000 Ironman Wisconsin athletes start en masse as the gun goes off and it's a beautiful sight to see.
Old Sauk Pass and Timber Lane (Cross Plains)
So, 112 miles is a long way to bike. If you look at a map, you'll notice athletes leave the Monona Terrace and weave their way out of the city towards the fair town of Verona, do a loop, then do it again before heading back to transition. The best place to watch the bike portion of the race is Old Sauk Pass and Timber Lane. This stretch of road is the longest hill on the course and athletes get to do it twice. Watching from this location is nice for spectators because you'll see your athlete two times, and they will be going a bit slower than average, so they'll likely see (and hear) you. Having fans in this location is great for athletes because they're likely in the pain cave, and a familiar face might be all they need to get through it.
State Street (Madison)
One of the best places to watch the run is on State Street. Athletes do a half-marathon loop twice and go up and down State Street both times. If you stand still, you'll see your athlete run past four times. The street is closed off to vehicle traffic and lined with spectators sipping frosty beverages and snacking on unique Wisconsin treats, such as cheese curds and popcorn. The race finishes between the State Capitol and the Monona Terrace, so from the top of State Street, it's a short walk to the finish line.
Memorial Union (Madison)
On the other end of State Street, you'll find the Memorial Union. This gem of a hangout is another local favorite. On any given summer evening, you'll be hard-pressed to find a seat, but the scavenger hunt that ensues to find one is worth the pay off. On race day athletes will run right past the Memorial Union as they exit State Street and trudge up the only real hill on the run course. After you've cheered your athlete on, grab a pitcher of tap beer and enjoy people-watching and a glorious view of Lake Mendota. If you stick around past sunset you'll likely hear some live music. Make sure you don't leave without a scoop of the Orange Custard Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Sounds weird. Tastes amazing.
Ironman Wisconsin is an amazingly well-run race and is known in the triathlon community as one of the best when it comes to rowdy and supportive fans. As your friends and neighbors get ready to toe the line Sept. 13, make sure you're putting in the recon work to make this your best day of spectating. See you out there.
- Patrick Brady is a guest writer for "Discover Wisconsin."