Ironman Louisville critique

Following my IMUK race last year, I posted a critique of the the race overall. Not my race, just my observations of the event as a whole. That post is one of my most visited. Seems we all look for any information we can find on these events. With that in mind, I felt it important to once again provide information that is useful to others, so here is my critique.

This was my first Ironman race in North America, so I will try not to compare it to the events I visited in Europe.

Travel: I had the benefit of traveling across Ohio to Kentucky, so transportation was simple. We took I71 the whole way.
Lodging: We stayed in the host hotel, The Galt House. This is a huge (3000) room hotel that sits between the finish and transition area The convention Center (Welcome dinner, awards and athlete recovery area) is also within a block. The expo happens here and there is plenty of space to lounge with a large group. It is easy to spend a great deal of time in this complex and out of the heat of the day. The room was nice and clean. Also, free wi fi.
Post race food lacked options and the elevators were slow.
3 nights with parking and tax came to $537. Split in two it was affordable for me.
Race Management: This was a WTC event. They are the measuring stick. First Class. Registration was smooth, as was everything else they did. It did lack a personal feel at times. The welcome dinner and awards lacked the excitement I saw in Europe.
Volunteers and course support were amazing. I had the opportunity to use a bike mechanic and medical staff. Very helpful and attentive. They were both instrumental in getting me back going.

The Course: The unique TT start made for a really peaceful swim. The water is muddy and warm. Sighting is simple.
The bike course has lots of rollers but no true climbs. The first and final ten miles are flat. Auto traffic was a bit much and clueless how to behave with a race going on.
The run course is flat and in the shade for slow racers.
This course is an easy one....except for the probability of high tempuratures. Don't expect it to be an easy day.

The finish line at fourth street live is amazing. It is covered and packed with peaple.
The city of Louisville Kentucky: This is a really nice city. They had alot happening in town including lots of public music. It is small enough to keep everything close and big enough to offer every need that may come up. Veg options were kind of light. near fourth street.
The peaple were really freindly and got behind Ironman 100%.

Summery: This is a a great event, and Louisville gets behind it all the way. I will most likely be back. Hopefully with cooler weather, though I am not counting on it.