SOAS has quite a few friends heading to Los Cabos, so we wanted to say “happy taper” and share a few thoughts about the event and the area.
The race starts with a swim in the Sea of Cortes and ends with a run course that travels along a 20-mile corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The stunning views of cliffs, desert, mountains and turquoise color of the sea will serve as the backdrop for your day.
Cabo San Lucas is on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula and is a magnificent beach and coastal town that is easily accessible by air. It and its neighbor towns are international resort destinations, where you will find Five star spas, and condo timeshares galore.
For those of you who truly love fish... and not just in bouillabaisse.... the Baja Peninsula is a perfect destination. The snorkeling can be outstanding. While there are several beaches in the Los Cabos area, Playa Santa Maria may be the best of the lot. It’s known for the small size of the cove, the variety of fish, the easy access, and the peaceful views.
To get there, drive from Cabo on Hwy 1. After the Km 12 sign you’ll see the cleared home-sites on the right. Just before you reach the Km 13 sign, you’ll see a covered bench / bus stop. Exit the highway and head down the dirt road.
Amenities include a restroom in the parking area, a few vendors that rent snorkeling gear and rumor has it that there is even a masseuse on the beach (post race recovery perhaps?). We’ve heard that you should bring your own umbrella if you want shade and lots of fresh water to drink and rinse off with.
While Ironman obviously knows how to operate an event, you should remember that this is an “inaugural”. As such you should do your best to be prepared for a few wrinkles. From our experience, dazed locals and confused logistics are two of the potential challenges of a new event. In all seriousness, it seems as if veteran cities (like Coeur d'Alene for IMCDA) know what to expect when Ironman comes to town. It is possible that the Los Cabos residents won’t know about road closures or be used to driving in close proximity to packs of aero helmeted triathletes. So we’d recommend that you keep your head on a swivel during your practice rides and add an extra 15 minutes to your pre-race timetable in case logistical issues arise.
Oh...and remember, it’s possible that all the distance markers will be in kilometers. So brush up on the metric system.
The good news is that after your race, you’re in for a real treat. The tip of Baja is a major tourist destination for good reason. Great food and great fun await just past the finish line! If you close your eyes, you may even hear a mariachi band playing in the distance... and cold margaritas calling your name.
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