Starting a Triathlon???

[flip18436572]

I am thinking of organizing a sprint triathlon with some other people in our community. How do I go about this and where can I get some information, on how to make it a success? I want to start it small and have it grow, but also make it have a "small town" feel.

Our biggest problem would be the swim portion, as we would either have to do laps in a pool, or organize it outside of our town with a small lake.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Psydotek]

If you have a pool swim, you could do a reverse triathlon. However, i do hate jumping onto the bike immediately after running... :lol: :(

[bburrito]

Hemet, CA runs a local triathlon (tinseltriathlon.com) that I have heard is run pretty well for a small event. They use the pool at the local high school and run the rest on the local city streets. It is doable. Good luck!

[Psydotek]

Hemet, CA runs a local triathlon (tinseltriathlon.com) that I have heard is run pretty well for a small event. They use the pool at the local high school and run the rest on the local city streets. It is doable. Good luck!

I was there. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/psydotek/2007-12-9%20Tinsel%20Triathlon/tinseltriathlonbike.jpg

(and yes, my legs really really didn't like having to bike right after running)

[slim_77]

I have no direct experience...but anywho here are my thoughts:

Partnering with a neighboring town would be great because it would broaden your base. Depending on the time of year, and because I hate swimming in a pool, you may have greater participation by using a lake (think: better promotional images for the following year!), though it will be more challenging to organize and supervise.

As far as asking those who have organized Sprint tris already, hell go on line and email a 1000 people who have done this around the country. I am sure that many will be more than willing to help you out. Also, contact the track & swim coach at the HS/community college/university and tap into their resources (for promotion and event organization as well!)

This sounds like a fun project! good luck!

[flip18436572]

I think the problem with using a lake in our area is the location of the water exits and the hills immediately after getting out of the water and getting to bike without a very steep hill climb immediately. I am going to keep looking at different things.

What about:

timing devices?

bike racks?

transition areas?

[BigCatDaddy]

Insurance? Who pays if a contestant dies due to your lack of supervision....(lets say....in the water?) I'm assuming most current race productions are insured? (just guessing). I certainly wouldn't be willing to organize a race without proper legal setup. Do you really want to put all your personal assets on the line?

What is the proper legal arrangement? Incorporation?
Insurance requirements?

[flip18436572]

This will not be a personal event, but one run through a small organization, and the Executive Director will be working on the insurance part of it. From early discussions, the extra cost will be minimal to the current insurance policy.