Boulder’s Randy Evans completes his final lap on the 12 mile bike ride during the 28th annual Longmont Triathlon held at Centennial Pool in 2008. Times-Call
Longmont Triathlon has grown with community support
By Summer Stair
When the idea for the annual Longmont Triathlon came about, it was simply about getting the Longmont community involved in something athletic and fun.
“We didn’t know what we were getting into, but it’s great and it has really grown,” says Jeff Tarpley, one of the original three founders.
As one of the first triathlons in the state, no one believed that it would eventually become the longest running triathlon in Colorado, especially with the first years’ challenges of getting the timing and flow right from each timed event.
In its first year, the race pulled in 56 participants and was setup as three separate events. The 10K run began at 9 a.m., the 25-mile bike race started at noon and the 100 meter swim began at 3 p.m. This all-day event had no transition times, so in order to determine an overall winner the three timed events were added together.
This format seemed to work and continued for the second year with 64 participants and only a 19-mile bike ride. By the third year, the event brought in more than 100 participants and the events became consecutive.
As the event continues to grow with 450 adult and 350 kid participants in 2010, so does the community support. “It’s grown to where it’s a weekend family event,” says Sara Stewart, aquatic specialist for the city of Longmont recreation services. “It’s so successful because it caters to first timers and long-term athletes.”
With the introduction of the Kids Only Triathlon the day before the Longmont Triathlon, participants and parents can watch their kids compete. The Kids Only event caters to kids 6 and older, but as Stewart says, “as long as they can do it on their own and have fun, they’re welcome.”
City of Longmont recreation services stands behind the event and offers triathlon training courses leading up to the event to help participants feel more confident in their abilities. “We’re known to be very well organized and take care of our people,” says Karen Charles, recreation center supervisor for the city of Longmont recreation services. “We are supportive; we care about our first timers; it’s a good package. At the end of the day people are happy.”
This year’s triathlon will again include the wheelchair division, as well as a food after the event, a lightweight wind jacket and the chance to win an indoor cycling bike. Participants of the Kids Only event will be treated to medals, ice cream and a T-shirt.
Get out and test yourself with the 525-yard pool swim, 12-mile bike ride and 5K run. The Kids Only event race distances will be determined by each kids age group.
