<p>The hill is ~ 200 yds long and very steep. There is a timing mat at the bottom (I think this mat records the "official" end of the swim), and a timing mat at the top (which records the "official" start of T1). Last year I stripped the wetsuit to the waist and ran up it. It took me 1:23, which was 57th fastest overall. Winner was 1:00, slowest was 2:48..</p>
<p>It is hard, and you will be out of breath. The surface is nice grass, so no need for shoes. I think most people either strip wetsuit off, or to the waist before crossing the mat. I think I'd go to waist so as not to carry it all the way up. I really tried to run fast, but relaxed, and not go overly anaerobic.</p>
<p>Another strategy is to rest, catch your breath before crossing the mat, SPRINT up the hill, and forget about the rest of the race. You may win the prize (last year it was an Adirondack chair). Just kidding.</p>