Races›Ironman 70.3

The Grand Traverse

Race-specific weather data and nutrition strategy for The Grand Traverse in Crested Butte, CO, US.

TriathlonHalf Ironman (70.3 mi)
LocationCrested Butte, CO, US
Last held
March 29, 2026Next edition TBA
Build Your Fueling PlanOfficial website
Race Location38.87°, -106.99°
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Race-Day Conditions

Low Heat Risk
Temperature
38°F

27–50°F range

Humidity
62%

50–74% range

5-year average via Open-Meteo. 80% of race days fall within the range shown. Updated May 25, 2026.

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Cold race conditions

Median race-day temperature is 38°F. Cold reduces perceived thirst but not fluid needs. Warm fluids are easier to consume. Carb targets remain the same — don't skip fueling because you're cold.

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Segment transitions matter

Fueling needs differ across swim, bike, and run. The bike is your best opportunity for calorie intake — aim to consume 60-80% of total nutrition on the bike. Reduce volume entering T2 to avoid GI distress on the run.

Sample Ironman 70.3 Nutrition Plan

Based on a 155 lb triathlete finishing in ~6 hours. Your plan will differ based on body weight, experience, and conditions.

HourCarbsFluidSodiumExample
Swim + T125g8oz200mgGel in transition
Bike 175g24oz600mgDrink mix + gel
Bike 275g24oz600mgDrink mix + chews
Run 160g16oz500mg2 gels + water
Run 255g14oz400mgGel + cola
Total290g86oz2300mg

These are general estimates. Get your personalized plan for this race →

What to Expect at The Grand Traverse

The Grand Traverse is a Half Ironman (70.3 mi) ironman 70.3 held in Crested Butte, CO, US. Based on 5 years of historical weather data, athletes can expect median race-day temperatures around 38°F.

Temperatures at The Grand Traverse typically range from 27°F to 50°F. Cold conditions suppress the sensation of thirst, but fluid and calorie needs remain largely unchanged. Warm fluids are easier to consume and absorb. Don't let the cool air fool you into skipping your fueling plan.

A 70.3 sits in a nutritional sweet spot: long enough that fueling matters, but short enough that gut fatigue rarely becomes the limiter. Front-load calories on the bike and shift to a lighter fueling approach on the run. Most athletes target 60–80g of carbs per hour on the bike and scale back slightly for the half marathon.

We do our best to keep race details accurate and up to date, but things can change and occasionally we simply get something wrong.

Always check the official website for the most complete and current information.

See something wrong? Let us know and we'll fix it.

Fueling and hydration suggestions are based on published sports science research including ACSM position stands, ISSN guidelines, and peer-reviewed work by Jeukendrup, Sawka, and others. This is not medical or dietary advice — individual needs vary. Always test your nutrition strategy in training before race day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I eat during the race?
Your nutrition plan depends on your body weight, experience level, and race-day conditions. Use our free calculator to get a personalized, hour-by-hour fueling plan with specific carb, fluid, and sodium targets for this Ironman 70.3.
What is the typical race-day weather?
Based on 5 years of historical data, race-day temperatures at Crested Butte, CO typically range from 27°F to 50°F (median 38°F). Humidity ranges from 50% to 74%.
How much water should I drink?
Fluid needs vary based on your sweat rate, body weight, and race-day temperature. A typical range is 400-800 mL per hour, but hotter conditions at Crested Butte, CO may require more. Our calculator provides personalized fluid targets adjusted for the expected weather.
How many calories do I need?
Rather than replacing all calories burned, focus on carbohydrate intake — the primary fuel for endurance performance. Target 30-50% of caloric expenditure through carbs. Our calculator computes the exact hourly targets based on your Ironman 70.3 pace and body weight.
When should I start fueling?
Begin fueling within the first 30-45 minutes. Start at about 70% of your target intake and ramp up to full by hour 2. This gives your gut time to adjust. Starting too late makes it nearly impossible to catch up on carbs and fluids.
Source: runsignup_apiView sourceVerified: Jun 8, 2026Confidence: 95%