I have friends that ride Iceman every year and they are not competitive at all. They aren't fast, they don't like racing, mountain biking makes them nervous. It's more about the social aspect for a lot of people.

In fact, last year I was trying for a podium position but I had the distinct disadvantage of a late wave start. When I was passing some guys they yelled at me "This is not a race!" And they were being serious. It's not a race for probably 50% of the riders.

There's a nice write-up in XXC Magazine.