Triathlon - Volunteering for the Utah ironman.

Im going to be a ironman volunteer, what position(s) should i try for? :) This is new to me, but im very excited!

Bike aid station, bike catchers, bike check-in (pre race), course race guide, course special needs, draft marshall, timing?

What would you do? :)

Sounds like any of it would be fun! What does special needs do?

When and where is it? The last week of June, I will be in the hills in the northeastern part of the state.

DG, im not sure what special needs does... Im kinda thinking i'll go for the draft marshall or bike catchers :)

John, June 8th, more information here: http://www.ironmanutah.com/index01.shtml . What brings you to Utah?

This is fantastic. I would love to be involved in something like this, just to be close.

But, since I'm not made of iron, I don't think I would actually participate in the race...

I think draft marshall or timer would be real good spots, they're up close and personal. Bike catcher --- think about this-- you're in a frantic hurry to get from point A to point B ---get my drift so far? These racers are doing exactly the above -- hurriedly dismounting -- and -- Bam --the bike comes at you!!! Not exactly the best spot on the team or atl least IMHO. Nobody actually wants to purposely throw their bike at you but it happens -- so do accidents.

If it was my first involvement, I think Check In and Course Guide would be my choices. I'd want to have some idea of the responsibilities of the others before jumping in.

Originally posted by Joe Gardner
What brings you to Utah?

My father lives in the Provo suburb of Springville. For this year's family reunion, he has reserved timeshares somewhere around Ogden. How far are you from the Salt Lake City airport?

Im right between Provo and SLC, about 30 min from the SLC airport.

WooHoo! Im going to be a Draft Marshal! I first have to get Ironman certified, that should be happening in the next month or so :)

Joe,

You have all the fun! ;)

pardon my ignorance... but what does a draft mashal do? :D

I just finished reading the USA triathalon officials manual for the 4th, and final time. The big race is this Sat, June 8th. I'll be one of just a handful of "Race Marshals". This is the position right under the head referee. My day will start at 4:00am on Sat, and end at 1:00am Sunday, a 21 hour day, not to bad. I'll start the day by helping organize the elite group, and different age groups for the swim.

I will then make my way to transition zone 1 (T1). I'll be looking for participants that may need assistance, or are breaking the rules. As soon as the 2nd elite racer makes it out of T1, where off to the motorbikes, to watch for any illegal moves on the 112 mile bike race. I can expect to be on the motor bike anywhere from 5 to 8hrs.

I will also spend some of my time at T2, again, to assist athletes, and keep them within the rules. The head ref has asked me to bring my mtn bike for the 26.2 mile run. I'm not sure what i'll be looking for during the run, but i can expect to ride my bike the full 26 miles, and then some by back tracking to other athletes. There’s no way im going to ride 30+ miles on my mtn bike, so I’ll take my road bike, or barrow one of the $6K tri bikes i saw at the LBS last week getting tuned up! :D

I will also make my way to the finish line near the end of the race, however doubt i will spend much time there, I will be on the course most of the day.

All this for a t-shirt, a hat, and free food. I cant wait!

Originally posted by VegasCyclist
pardon my ignorance... but what does a draft mashal do? :D

We get to kick people out who draft. Ironman is an individual sport. Drafting is illegal. The first offense gets you a 3min penalty, the 2nd offence gets you disquallified. The draft zone is 7 meters long, and 3 meters wide.

Public nudity is also prohibited :lol:

Speaking of Utah, there's a Utah girl who is kidnapped today or yesterday depending on your time zone in the USA. She was kidnapped in the middle of the night I think, so poor thing, she's like very beautiful and so young, only 14.

Hope you guys here will pray for her safety and that the kidnapper would be arrested. The kidnapper has not asked for ransom whatsoever as yet, hopefully she'll be fine. God bless her!