The Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 is one of the more popular half-Ironman distance races in the United States. Taking place in and around Buffalo Springs Lake (about 5 miles outside of Lubbock), it's a beautiful race with long stretches of flat road between the quad-crunching hills. Though there is only 1000 feet of elevation gain on the bike, the eight fairly challenging hills can easily tire you out for the three challenging climbs you'll face on the run.

As with all 70.3 races, the distances are as follows:
SWIM: 1.2 miles
BIKE: 56 miles
RUN: 13.1 miles

Weather can be a factor in this race. Average highs are in the low 90s (with approximately 20-35% humidity) and winds are usually at about 10 mph. Be prepared to hydrate!

The Buffalo Springs Lake 70.3 is organized by Mike and Marti Greer, the team behind other Texas classics as Ransom Canyon Triathlon, Doghouse Sprint, Buffman & Squeaky Triathlon, Tri Raider Triathlon and Iron Girl Texas. (Mike Greer is a former Executive Director of USA Triathlon and is on the USA Triathlon Board of Directors).

SWIM
distance: 1.2 miles

The swim takes place in Buffalo Springs Lake. Water temperatures are usually between 70-74. This is a wetsuit legal race for all water temperatures below 78 degrees (rarely does the water temp get above 74 degrees). Wave starts begin at the beach area. There are approximately 100 people per wave. It is a rectangular course with swimmers going counter-clockwise (buoys on your left) and the swim exit on the cement boat dock. The swim exit is only 20 yards from transition. Swim cutoff time is 75 minutes.

BIKE
distance: 56 miles

The bike course is a modified out and back that travels on well maintained asphalt roads. There is limited traffic on the course as you primarily ride on farm roads in rural areas. It is a relatively flat course with 8 challenging hills, ranging from 2.9% - 8.9% grade and 1/4 mile to 1.2 miles in length. Total elevation gain is approximately 1000 feet.

RUN
distance: 13.1 miles

The run takes place on well-maintained asphalt. It is scenic course that is partially shaded to help hide you from the burning sun. However, it is a tough course. Though there are fairly flat sections, runners are faced with 3 challenging hills, ranging from 6.4% - 7.6% grade. The hills are approximately 300 yards to 880 yards in length.

Course cut-off time is 8 hours.

AID STATIONS

Aid stations are on the bike and on each mile of the run. Stations are also at swim entry and exit points. Water, GATORADE, fruit, sponges, ice, gel, etc., are provided along the course.

Buffalo Springs 70.3 bike elevation gain

PREVIOUS WINNERS
2007 Winners
male: Chris Leigh
overall time: 3:54:59 (swim: 23:37, bike: 2:12:14, run: 1:17:11)
female: Natasha Badmann
overall time: 4:19:01 (swim: 26:55, bike: 2:22:17, run: 1:27:24)

2006 Winners
male: Luke Bell
overall time: 3:54:51 (swim: 21:39, bike: 2:13:38, run: 1:17:22)
female: Natasha Badmann
overall time: 4:22:11 (swim: 25:01, bike: 2:21:44, run: 1:32:43)

2005 Winners
male: Marcel Vifian
overall time: 4:09:33 (swim: 23:44, bike: 2:21:08, run: 1:22:07)
female: Susan Williams
overall time: 4:31:03 (swim: 25:14, bike: 2:29:01, run: 1:34:18)

2004 Winners
male: James Bonney
overall time: 4:06:35 (swim: 22:51, bike: 2:18:21, run: 1:23:21)
female: Shannon Smith
overall time: 4:54:18 (swim: 31:01, bike: 2:43:22, run: 1:36:39)

2003 Winners
male: James Bonney
overall time: 4:19:36 (swim: 25:43, bike: 2:22:27, run: 1:29:03)
female: Joanna Zeiger
overall time: 4:33:41 (swim: 26:11, bike: 2:35:09, run: 1:29:58)

2002 Winners
male: James Bonney
overall time: 4:04:25 (swim: 23:51, bike: 2:15:34, run: 1:22:57)
female: Lotte Branigan
overall time: 4:52:04 (swim: 28:46, bike: 2:45:18, run: 1:34:37)