USAT Nationals - Course Preview!

Omaha is famous thanks to now-retired legend Peyton Manning, but it's also the home of this week's USAT Age Group Nationals! Planning on making the trip? Here is a little preview of the course, courtesy of our awesome Nebraska teammate Katie Foster.

VENUE

The venue is located on the north side of Levi Carter Lake, which is less than a mile from Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. These fields are the location of the venue, transition area, and parking.

SWIM

The swim takes place in Carter Lake, pictured below. I had an opportunity to swim in Carter Lake in a practice swim a week ago and the water temperature was around 84 degrees. Hoping that cools down before race day. There are plenty of open areas to the west of the swim start for spectators to watch.

BIKE

The bike route is an out and back course that starts heading east on Carter Lake Blvd, which has recently been repaved, as shown below. Then the route meets Abbot Drive which turns into Storz Parkway. Storz has a small climb before turning north on 16th street. The quality of the roads is nice and smooth. There are train tracks on 16th street that are particularly rough and I am hoping they are covered for the event. The route then heads northwest onto John J. Pershing Drive, which has been partially repaved. This is a long, low grade incline. The route continues north under the Mormon Bridge, and along Hummel Park. There are at least four manholes on the north side of the Mormon Bridge that can present obstacles for cyclists, otherwise, the road is smooth. The one significant hill on this course comes up on N. River Drive. It is a long, steep climb. I think it is a tougher climb on the way out than on the way back.

RUN

The run is flat and fast. It starts along Carter Lake Blvd and heads south on 11th street to T.D. Ameritrade Park and back. T.D. Ameritrade park is a beautiful venue and easy for spectators to access. Spectators looking to cheer on their athletes on the run course can drive on 16th street or Abbott Blvd to Locust Street.

OTHER

Looking for restaurants near the venue?

1) Twisted Fork Grill and Bar
2) Roja Mexican Grill
3) Hiro 88 Sushi
4) Blatt Beer & Table
5) Pitch Pizzeria
6) The Upstream Downtown

Make your reservations now as these places tend to fill up on event weekends.

Looking for activities for your kids?

1) Henry Doorly Zoo – bring their swimsuits to enjoy the new splashpad.

2) Children’s Museum – located downtown