Logistics were surprisingly good. Despite T1, T2 being in different places it all worked remarkably well. We stayed at Hyundae beach and it was all good, cause to the start and registration, briefing etc.

We dropped gear bags off on the Saturday and the run bag was transported to T2 so we didn't have to visit T2 til we got there on the bike! Then buses back after the race were prompt and efficient. My mate had an early evening flight so we managed to get our bikes on the first truck back to town and it all went like clockwork.

On to the race, it was a damn hard race. Overall I enjoyed it, but don't go here expecting an easy day out!

Swim was cut short due to fog which was the correct decision although it's always disappointing when that happens. Was cold in the water so bring the wetsuit!

Bike was much tougher than expected with lots of technical turns and hills. Indeed after 2k there was a fairly meaty hill maybe 1k long. The fog from the swim had brought rain so there was a bit of water on the roads. There were a lot of DNF because people took a wrong turn. That's unfortunate, I didn't make the mistake but given so many people did, it's something that needs to be considered next time.

The run was not a lot of fun, along a bike/running track in a valley. The sun made a fairly unwelcome appearance at the start and it was damn hot.

All up, I enjoyed the race a lot. Probably won't go back next year but it's a good race if you're building for a late season IM or just feel like visiting a cool city. 

We're not always aware of the challenges of organizing something like this, especially in a city as large as Busan, so the organizers deserve a big hand for pulling off a successful inaugural event.  They also seemed genuinely intent on making this a fun and exciting event, so while there were many hassles, I expect future events will be much improved.

Now about the race itself:

Swim - The course was originally designed to be a one-loop clockwise rectangle course, with the start point a few hundred yards/meters away from the finish point.  Due to currents, they changed the course direction to a counterclockwise course and notified us during the pre-race briefing.  They also shortened the course during the morning of the race due to fog.  Water temps were around 18 degrees Celsius, which was much too cold for me since I only brought a sleeveless wetsuit.  To be fair, the pre-race materials warned us of the cold water temp, but I didn't believe it considering the air temperature forecasts were 28-30 degrees Celsius.   Well, lesson learned.

Bike - This was a hilly and technical course, which was made even more challenging due to wet conditions from the morning rain.  Just as I went into the aero position following a downhill section, I was caught off guard with a quick 90 degree left turn, and wiped out as I hurriedly braked to slow down.  Fortunately, no major damage to my bike and I only suffered minor scrapes and bruises, so I was able to continue.  

The bike course included several confusing repeat loops, and a lot of people DNF'd despite the clear course markings and directions from race officials.  It was just extremely difficult to keep track.   

Run - Combined with near 30 degree heat, 100% humidity and a bright sun with absolutely no cover, the run course was brutal, especially following the much tougher-than-expected bike leg.  Since the course was along a river, it was generally flat, with some slight rolling hills to burn out tired legs.    

Overall - This was a tough race, with pros turning in well over 4 hours for a swim-shortened race.  However, being so late in the season, many world championship slots were easily up for grabs.  If you're ready for a challenge, this is a good race, as it had a bit of everything.  And if you're aiming for a world championship slot, even better.  Moreover, despite the difficulty level, there were some very scenic spots along the bike and run courses.  Busan itself is also an exciting city, with plenty of hotels near the start/finish point.  Although somewhat disorganized (expected for an inaugural event), the logistics were quite well done and the courses were well-marked (well, except for the swim) with plenty of race volunteers.  Because there were so many loops, aid stations were also frequent since one aid station would serve multiple points along the race.  However, it seemed they couldn't keep up with pouring the sports drinks during the run portion.   

All in all, I don't think I would do this race again as I really dislike swimming in cold ocean temperatures, but it's definitely worth considering if you're aiming for a late-season world championship slot in a city with lots to do.    

IM70.3釜山，是一場含報名費，機票，住宿，大吃大喝，3-4萬台幣有找的比賽！

泡菜國這場釜山很適合愛吃辣的家屬一起來，完全就是一場"順便"比賽實際是⋯逛街購物吃美食，家人會很滿意且支持跟你出來玩的一場比賽。

第一屆賽事在大會把重點放在比賽品質，流暢，安全上。

游泳項目，海水異常冰冷，即便大太陽玩水，水溫都只有20度，更不用說清晨比賽水溫低於19度。比賽當天早上下雨，起風，起霧，縮短游泳距離到1000M，還是在海上漂流迷航，很久沒那麼害怕了。

單車項目：非常佩服單車交管動用幾乎60%以上人力，警力，路線引導，指揮交通。當地居民車輛，也守規矩的在「耐心等候」，路線很猛，難易跟繞圈看法就因人而異，要自己算圈大會再三強調，但至少指示清楚。我在乎是“安全”多，高速公路跟觀光區能這麼安全的飆車很爽，難的路線就只能說自己要加強實力讓它搞不倒。

跑步項目：在河道旁跑2圈，平坦安全，志工比較少，但不影響比賽節奏。

T1/T2:大會用很大心力，都有鋪棉花配上地墊，終點在軟Q人工草皮足球場。賽後餐一個泡菜便當，水，運動飲料，較為簡易。我想重點放在，讓選手舒服輕鬆比賽，運送單車回T1很貼心。進終點後，拿換洗衣物換裝，就可以輕鬆搭接駁車回家很舒服。

比較可惜的氣氛營造上略顯冷清，沒有在異鄉比賽買比賽紀念品應該是初次到訪的我們比較失望的地方。

這場比賽讓我深深佩服Park這位職業退下的選手&主辦單位，非常隨和低調，辦比賽的感覺⋯像是讓當地有力選手有發揮的舞台，讓市民選手能在自己國家跟外國選手交流。韓國選手水準素質高，來勢洶洶是很快會突起追殺上的民族。

Park連頒獎都是站在後面替選手拍照，把光芒留給選手和政府跟贊助者（應該沒看錯吧）

比賽地點是知名觀光景點海雲台，地鐵有中文，交通便利，計程車也便宜，住宿也便宜，當然高級也夠水準。身為小資族代表，一定是用最親民的方式完成。

觀光區吃飯都跟一般地方差不多，是我對韓國目前改觀最多也最訝異的地方⋯

It's the first edition of IRONMAN 70.3 Busan so I expeted this race would be just okay. But the organizer had done a great job regarding safety and logistic. It's a T1/T2 race but the official shuttle and bike transfer service made things easy for athletes after the race. Also wonderful carbo loading in a 4-5 stars hotel with VERY Korean style welcome party.

Swim is a bit challenging partly because of the gloomy weather. Bike course is challeging too as you hit a big climb once out of T1. And even the run course is up and down so definitely not an easy race. But the course offer the natural beauty as well as urban scenary. The finish area is quite nice, once the world cup practice area.

It's an ideal race for someone with family looking for beach holidays while racing. Local cuisine, shopping, and korea style sauna and massage are highly recommeded after the race :D 

I normally give brand new races a miss as there always seems to be "issues". But I signed up for the first 70.3 Busan as the timing suited me and the location seemed good. The race is based at Haeundae Beach, Busan and is only 40 minutes from the airport with lots of hotel and dining options to suit all budgets. Stayed a block off the beach for about US$100 per night in well appointed serviced apartment. Haeundae Beach was long and wide with clean white sand and was far nicer than expected. The water temp was about 18 degrees which was comfortable for a quick dip without a wetsuit. All in all a great location.

The good:

• location.
• the beach.
• many hotels, serviced apartments and guest houses near the beach.
• Korean food, especially BBQ and seafood
• the welcome party food was one of the best meals I have ever had at a race.
• the swim course (if the conditions had been good).

Not so good:

• the swim was shortened due to fog, which was understandable. It was very hard to sight the buoys and the finish from the water because of the fog. Plus the course was not well marked and everyone seemed to swim a different distance or course.
• the bike course. They said it had been shortened to 86km due to road works but my Garmin had it at around 90km. It was more than "rolling hills" after the first big hill just out of town with over 1,000m of climbing all up. And with lots of sharp turns.
• Over 150 were DQ'd on the bike course for missing turns. I was super careful.
• the bike and run courses were generally not scenic at all. A real shame due to the ocean side location.
• a very hot and steamy soulless run with zero supporters on the course.
• drinks at the aid stations were generally not cold. Not enough ice to cool the drinks down.
• hardly any cold drinks or ice at the finish.
• took a long time for my bike to be returned to T1 after the race
• little in the way of swag. Only a small towel and a finisher's t-shirt. There was no IM branded race merchandise to buy.

But I still enjoyed the race and overall experience. If they can get the bike course right, and maybe improve the run course, then it will be a great race. And stay on for a few more days after the race to fully enjoy the beach and resort.

I'd do the race again.

This was an inaugural event, so some complications here and there were to be expected. I thought that overall the organisers did the best they could with what they had, and Busan being the 2nd biggest city in Korea, holding such an event in traffic free roads was really impressive.

Accomodation very easy, plenty of hotels around Haeundae beach with easy access to registration and T1. Lots of restaurants and places of interest, seafood paradise. Logistics ran smoothly and it felt like every step of the event was working like clockwork. The only complain that I would have is that people would need to wait quite a while to get their bikes delivered back to T1, especially if finished late. If you're staying around the T1 area then that's no problem, but we stayed quite far away so had to wait before we could take our bikes and go back home so that to save having to go back and forth. So I would strongly recommend you book accomodation near T1 - also not many ppl speak English and taxi rides with irritated drivers can be an adventure.. 

The course itself was tricky, swim was shortened due to fog which was an understandable decision, the bike course had multi-lap sections which were confusing to many and led to lots of DQs. It felt like a lot of effort was made to create the full 90km distance, and while that is ok there is always a price organisers have to pay for doing that which is usually a not so satisfactory riding experience. I always think that a great bike course should have moments where you lose yourself in the surroundings and leaves you feeling grateful to be there and experience a new place in such a unique way, so in that sense it was not a very memorable experience.  

Run was along an exposed river, be prepared for hot/humid conditions with not much shade. Lack of local support as it's away from residential areas also means it will get lonely! 

The event was a great way to experience Korean culture, and the area of the event is quite unique and feels more local than touristy. Lots of sea food stalls, nice beach for chilling and local events on the beach (boxing matches/DJs etc) make this a fun long weekend. It might be cool to try and hold it on a Saturday next time so that people can get to enjoy Busan nightlife after the race.