Madison is the capital of Wisconsin. It population is just over 230,000 people and is the second largest city in Wisconsin. If you are flying in from out of town Madison has a region airport (http://www.msnairport.com/) located about 5 miles out from downtown.
Transportation:
I used Green Cab (http://www.greencabofmadison.com/) and public transportation (http://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/) for my transportation needs while visiting for the race.
If you plan to race Wisconsin in 2013 and staying in a hotel I recommend booking a hotel in downtown Madison. There are couple hotels within a 10-min walk to Ironman Village and race site.
1. Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is @ race location.
2. Best Western Plus Inn On The Park is only 3 blocks from race location and is located directly on capital square.
Other hotels that are located close to race:
3. Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown
4. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Madison
Ironman has hotel accommodation services for athletes and family: http://ironmanwisconsin.com/athletes/accommodations/
If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels the need for a rental car is not necessary. I participated in Wisconsin Ironman this year and booked a hotel last minute about 2.5 miles away and was able to get around without a rental by the use of public transportation and cabs.
Restaurant Recommendations:
1. Italian: Francesca's Al Lago
Located on MLK in between the Capital building and Ironman village. Price: $$$
2. Great post race meal: Brocach Irish Pub
Located on Main St. on capital square. Price $$
Well known for there Bangers & Mash
3. Local/Organic French/American cuisine: Harvest
Located on Pinckney Street on capital square. Price $$$$
What you don't want to miss while visiting:
Madison Farmer's Market: http://madisonfarmersmarket.com/
This is a great place to buy cheese, get local produce, crafts, deserts, and experience local culture.
Check out this short video of a man playing multiple instruments during the Farmer's Market:
State Street: http://www.state-st.com/
State St. will be a deafening experience on race day. It is a highlight of the run course. State Street is lined with a plethora restaurants, bars, and shops.
Madison, Wisconsin did a great job supporting and making the entire Ironman experience unforgettable. It not only takes a great team of race directors and volunteers to make a race like Ironman successful it take the support from the community. Madison goes above and beyond to make sure all the athletes are safe on the race course and provide a great town to visit.
Check back soon for my post race report of Ironman Wisconsin 2012.
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