2021 Cal Tri Ambassador Application
The 2021 Cal Tri Ambassador Application is now open and will close on Sunday, November 15. The 2021 Cal Tri Ambassadors will be announced on December 7, 2020 (Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Strava). The benefits of being a Cal Tri Ambassador are unmatched, but the requirements are no joke either. We are looking for athletes who are fired up about sharing their love of the sport and our safe, affordable, and accessible mission with a whole new generation of athletes.
2020 Ironman 70.3 Arizona Finisher Data – First U.S. Ironman Race Since Covid-19
2020 Ironman Arizona 70.3 was held Sunday, October 18, 2020. It was the first U.S. Ironman since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The limited finisher data suggests athletes, especially women, are cautious relative to a return to racing at this time.
- -53% decrease in finishers YoY (609 in ‘20 versus 1,286 in ‘19). This includes -47% male & -64% female
- 27% female participation rate in 2020 compared to 35% in 2019. There were only 10 finishers for all women ages 60 and above
- It was a good opportunity for Ironman to operationalize their Covid-19 policies.
Ironman 70.3 Arizona – 2020 vs 2019 Finisher Data
| Categories | 2019 | 2020 | 2020 vs 2019 |
| Finishers | 1286 | 609 | -53% |
| Male | 833 | 444 | -47% |
| Female | 453 | 165 | -64% |
| % Female | 35% | 27% | |
| 18-24 | 38 | 22 | -42% |
| 25-29 | 107 | 81 | -24% |
| 30-34 | 158 | 81 | -49% |
| 35-39 | 192 | 84 | -56% |
| 40-44 | 223 | 93 | -58% |
| 45-49 | 223 | 86 | -61% |
| 50-54 | 153 | 71 | -54% |
| 55-59 | 118 | 45 | -62% |
| 60-64 | 54 | 32 | -41% |
| 65-69 | 15 | 9 | -40% |
| 70-74 | 4 | 4 | 0% |
| 75-79 | 1 | 0 | -100% |
| 80-84 | 0 | 1 | NA |
| 85+ | 0 | 0 | NA |
Wattie Ink. Joins California Triathlon as Official Apparel Partner
California Triathlon has partnered with Wattie Ink., a global leader in high-performance endurance sports apparel, to outfit 5,000 California Triathlon members and the participants in the Cal Tri Events Race Series. Cal Tri Events recently expanded to become the U.S.’s largest national short-course triathlon series covering the Top 20 U.S. markets.
Wattie Ink. will supply the official California Triathlon race suits and custom branded triathlon apparel through the end of 2022. The deal also includes consumer merchandise offerings available to buy at each California Triathlon event in the series.
The partnership was created in service of California Triathlon’s mission to make triathlon safe, affordable and accessible. And it will be a significant platform for Wattie Ink. to extend its MAKE YOUR STATEMENT ethos to new and aspiring triathletes alike. Designed and created in consultation with world class triathletes, endurance athletes and industry experts, Wattie Ink. is a natural fit for California Triathlon. The endurance gear company is a leader in triathlon apparel and one of the most exciting performance brands on the planet, producing its innovations in California. Having California Triathlon athletes in the best gear on the planet will add an exciting dynamic to the sport in the years to come.
“It’s very exciting to have Wattie Ink. partnering with us as our Official Apparel Partner; this brand’s DNA is in triathlon and its ethos is so perfectly in tune with our values and desire to excite and inspire triathletes and soon-to-be triathletes to reach, grow and achieve. Triathlon is truly addicting and enriching for athlete. We see this at our events throughout the season and we think Wattie Ink.’s presence only bolsters this sensation,” said Thom Richmond, California Triathlon’s Founder.
Founded 10 years ago by world class triathlete and cyclist, Heather Jackson, and Sean Watkins, Wattie Ink. was created by athletes for athletes with the mission to inspire and amplify personal expression as athletes make their statements in the world through racing. As a result, Wattie Ink. has a loud presence in the sport. World Class athletes like Rachel McBride, Joe Gambles, Sarah Piampiano, Andy Potts, Jen Annett, Amy VanTassel, Chris Bagg, Josh Amberger, Cody Beals, and Sam Appleton have all chosen to train and make their statements in Wattie Ink.’s gear, which features the most innovative fabric and technology to enhance the performance of both professional and amateur athletes alike.
“We’re stoked to be the Official Apparel Partner of California Triathlon. Their organization inspires a legion of global athletes and offers them incredible venues to make their statements, so it’s fitting that Wattie Ink. — a leading triathlon brand with a global reputation for creating excitement in the sport — will be engaged to outfit and inspire these athletes. We have a powerful presence in triathlon and we’re looking forward to sharing our leading innovative endurance and apparel gear with California Triathlon athletes,” said Sean Watkins, Wattie Ink. Founder.
About California Triathlon:
California Triathlon is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides a premium no-fee membership to over 5,000 athletes worldwide. Our mission is to make the sport of triathlon affordable, accessible and sustainable by providing the resources, coaching and support needed for athletes to accomplish their goals. You can learn more at https://www.californiatriathlon.org.
About Wattie Ink.:
At Wattie Ink. we believe in your personal(ity) freedom, the liberty to Make Your Statement. We exist to amplify and celebrate the expression of your personality in and out of our gear. We believe in huge goals and life-changing ambitions and having the guts to pursue them freely, as endurance athletes and human beings. To learn more about us, please visit us at https://www.wattieink.com.
Cal Tri Events Expands National Race Series
Cal Tri Events is proud to announce our two year national expansion efforts through 2022. Very soon a majority of the country will benefit from safe, affordable and accessible race options within driving distance of their homes.
These competition locations were selected to support the growing and unmet demand for safe, affordable and accessible options and will include 20 top US markets: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Charlottesville, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Florida, Fort Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York, Newport Dunes, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington, DC.
- SAFE. Because Cal Tri Events is a non-profit, athlete-led organization where the safety and well-being of our athletes is prioritized over the bottom line. At Cal Tri Events we put a premium on safety. Races feature a safe and humane rolling swim start and a 25:1 athlete to lifeguard ratio. Additionally, our athletes appreciate the pre-race clinics that get them race-ready.
- AFFORDABLE. We make events less expensive, from prices starting at $180 for a family of four, 50% off youth pricing, eliminating unfriendly insurance add-ons, and adding event options without a bike. “The combination of safe, affordable and accessible race pricing greatly increases participation,” argues Thom Richmond, Founder of California Triathlon & Cal Tri Events.
- ACCESSIBLE. Cal Tri Events believes that a level playing field is one where athletes compete based on the size of their heart and not on the size of their wallet. The average Cal Tri Events athlete is younger (32 years old) and significantly more ethnically diverse than the industry standard.
About Cal Tri Events. Cal Tri Events, a 501c3 non-profit, is an event production company whose mission is making endurance events safe, affordable and accessible. Our races primarily feature short course triathlon and running events that appeal to a range of athletes. As featured in Triathlete magazine and the New York Times.
Contact
Thom Richmond, Founder and President, Cal Tri Events
thom@californiatriathlon.org 818.524.9368
Cal Tri Events Race Update
The Cal Tri Events update today is packed with race updates. On behalf of the Cal Tri Events Team, I want to thank our athletes for the tremendous response and all the kind notes. Success isn’t achieved by treating athletes shabbily or passing costs onto them to make ourselves whole. If you are happy about the way you have been treated during this difficult time then we hope you join us in the future as we continue to make triathlon safe, affordable & accessible.
One thing to consider is the VOGO – Volunteer One, Get One program because we have a hunch it is going to be inordinately difficult to get volunteers in 2020. Some of our athletes haven’t paid for a race entry in 9 years.
CURRENT CALENDAR
- 2020 Viking Dash Williamsburg – 6.21.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Jefferson – 7.12.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Walnut Creek – 8.23.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Lake Monticello – 9.13.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Charlottesville – 9.20.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events LA – 10.4.2020
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Newport Dunes – 11.1.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events IronBruin – 11.1.20
- 2020 Viking Dash Charlottesville – 12.6.20
3 CANCELLED EVENTS – 100% REFUNDS PROVIDED. For the 3 cancelled races, full refunds including RunSignUp processing fees were submitted and your next credit card statement should reflect that. Host hotel courtesy blocks were cancelled and athletes who had not yet changed their reservations were notified. Finally, we attempted to call each impacted athlete to provide an update, answer questions and give guidance.
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Offroad Miller School – 5.16.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events SwimRun Newport – 5.17.20
- 2020 Viking Dash Trail Run LA – 5.24.20
NEW DATE – 2020 CAL TRI EVENTS LAKE MONTICELLO – 9.13.20 – Due to COVID-19, 2020 Cal Tri Events Lake Monticello 5.3.20 has been rescheduled to 2020 Cal Tri Events Lake Monticello – 9.13.20.
- ALL 5.3.20 athletes were automatically moved to the rescheduled 9.13.20 date.
- ANY athlete unable to race on 9.13.20 for ANY reason will be automatically deferred to 2021 Cal Tri Events Lake Monticello 5.2.21.
- This includes any athletes that register from March 16, 2020 through September 13, 2020
- Athletes are not required to do anything at this point except prepare to race on 9.13.20 or 5.2.21.
NEW DATE – 2020 CAL TRI EVENTS LA – 10.4.20. The County of LA has required us to move our event from Saturday, October 3, 2020 to Sunday, October 4, 2020.
- ALL 10.3.20 athletes were automatically moved to the rescheduled 10.4.20 date.
ALL APRIL/MAY 2020 CAL TRI EVENTS ACTIVITIES POSTPONED/RESCHEDULED
DATE: MARCH 16, 2020
CDC 8 WEEK IMPACT. Until the CDC’s Sunday, March 15th announcement recommending “that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States” we were cautiously optimistic that our May race schedule would proceed as planned. Based on the new guidance our determination is holding these events in May would not be in the best interest of our athletes, volunteers, production team or the communities that support them.
IMPACTED EVENTS
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Lake Monticello – 5.3.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events OffRoad Miller School – 5.16.20
- 2020 Cal Tri Events Newport SwimRun – 5.17.20
- 2020 Viking Dash LA – 5.24.20
NEXT STEPS & NEW DATES BY MARCH 25. We are working with our partner agencies to reschedule these events later in 2020 and provide visibility by Wednesday, March 25. In the event we are unable to reschedule later in 2020 or the new date is problematic for an athlete, they will be allowed to transfer to any race in 2020 or the same race in 2021.
THREE TRANSFER OPTIONS. Athletes will be afforded the following options:
- Transfer to the same Cal Tri Events race in 2020 (new date if available).
- Transfer to another Cal Tri Events race later in 2020
- Transfer to the same Cal Tri Events race in 2021
For most of us, coping with a global pandemic is definitely uncharted waters. Your race schedule is likely prioritized behind the health and well-being of your friends, family, coworkers and community. Still, we are planning for the days in the not too distant future where the only thing you have to worry about catching is the athlete in front of you.
On behalf of the entire Cal Tri Events Team.
Thom Richmond
thom@CaliforniaTriathlon.org
2020 Cal Tri Events Race Calendar
Good morning!
Jan 10 (3 Days To Go) – Early Bird Prices End for races highlighted in yellow. Fresh off a safe & successful 2019 which included a feature in Triathlete Magazine we are pleased to announce the full slate of 2020 Cal Tri Events races. Growing and expanding at the same time the industry is contracting (NY Times Article) is not without risk but we are committed to take the mission of affordable and accessible racing to an ever increasing list of regions. Those plans include 6 new races announcements in 1Q20 in new markets. Thank you to the athletes that help make days like this that possible.
2020 CALENDAR. The 2020 calendar which includes 5 races in California and 6 races in Virginia (previously operated by CMS). 2020 Cal Tri Events Newport SwimRun – 5.17.20, a spring version of 2020 Cal Tri Events Newport Dunes – 11.1.20 without the bike portion, is the only new race on the 2020 schedule.
2020 Cal Tri Events Monticelloman – 5.3.20
2020 Cal Tri Events OffRoad Miller School – 5.16.20
2020 Cal Tri Events Newport SwimRun – 5.17.20
2020 Viking Dash LA – 5.24.20
2020 Viking Dash Williamsburg – 6.21.20
2020 Cal Tri Events Walnut Creek – 8.23.20
2020 Cal Tri Events Charlottesville – 9.20.20
2020 Cal Tri Events LA – 10.3.20
2020 Cal Tri Events Newport Dunes – 11.1.20
2020 Cal Tri Events IronBruin – 11.1.20
2020 Viking Dash Charlottesville – 12.6.20
TRIATHLON HIGHLIGHTS
- 8 Triathlons Include 6 Events At Sprint & Olympic Distance: Triathlon, Triathlon Relay, SwimBike, SwimRun, Swim & Run.
- 70.3 Mile Distances On Both Coasts: 2020 Cal Tri Events Monticelloman – 5.3.20 and 2020 Cal Tri Events LA – 10.3.20
- Early Bird Pricing: $60 Sprint, $75 Olympic & $100 70.3 Mile. A typical family of 4 can race a triathlon for $180
- 50% Discount Ages 7-22
- No Up-charge For Relays vs Individuals
- Liability Insurance Included In The Race Registration Price
- 2020 Grand Prix USA Race
RACE SPOTLIGHT – 2020 Cal Tri Events Monticelloman – 5.3.20
- 1st Cal Tri Events East Coast Produced Race
- Full Spectrum, The US Air Force Band Performing At Finish Line
- 40% Registration Increase Compared To Last Year
- 37% Of Athletes From Out of State – 16 States
- Saturday, May 2nd Bike Drop-Off
- Full Spectrum, The US Air Force Band Performing At Finish Line
- Hyatt Place Courtesy Block
VIKING DASH TRAIL RUN HIGHLIGHTS
- 3 Viking Dash Trail Runs. LA – 5.24.20, Williamsburg – 6.21.20 & Charlottesville – 12.6.20
- The Fastest Growing U.S. Trail Run Series
- 5K, 10K & 13.1 options
- 2020 Grand Prix USA Race
2020 GRAND PRIX USA. The 2020 Grand Prix USA Series Competition returns with 12 East & West Coast Cal Tri Events & select Viking Dash Trail Run races. A total of 130 athletes will be recognized (Top 5 Overall Male, Top 5 Overall Female & 120 Age Group). Athletes who successfully complete 3 scored events are eligible for series awards. Athletes who participate in more events have their 3 BEST scores count. In 2020, over $10,000 worth of prizes will be awarded.
RACE FOR FREE. VOGO or Volunteer One, Get One is a great way for athletes to volunteer at a race and earn a free race (for themselves or someone else) later in the season. The days of volunteering for a t-shirt and a bagel are over. Great volunteers make the race safer and more enjoyable. Volunteer today!
Questions? My suggestion is to add it to the Cal Tri Events Facebook Page or one of the Facebook Event Pages because it is very likely someone else has the same question. Otherwise, send me a note.
Best of luck in 2020 from the entire Cal Tri Events Team.
Wikipedia Page “List of Triathlon Fatalities” Created To Memorialize Those That Passed & Serve As A Resource For Future Event Safety
The triathlon community was both saddened and stunned by a historically tragic June 2019 that witnessed a total 7 North America race related deaths (6 US & 1 Canadian). Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of Scott Beatse, Dennis McDaniels, James Olayos Jr, Todd Mahoney, Michael McCulloch, Jill Leavy Morris & Quy P. Pham. How did June 2019 compared to previous months and years?
A recent 2017 study, Death and Cardiac Arrest in U.S. Triathlon Participants, 1985 to 2016: A Case Series, indicates an average of 4.2 deaths per year (135 deaths in 32 years). Included below are the conclusions and limitations of the study.
Conclusion: “Deaths and cardiac arrests during the triathlon are not rare; most have occurred in middle-aged and older men. Most sudden deaths in triathletes happened during the swim segment, and clinically silent cardiovascular disease was present in an unexpected proportion of decedents.
Limitation: “Case identification may be incomplete and may underestimate events, particularly in the early study period. In addition, prerace medical history is unknown in most cases.”
Six deaths in a single month (U.S.) in a sport that averages 4.2 deaths per year (U.S.) is absolutely an outlier. Determining the scope and scale of these tragedies was difficult due to the “proprietary” nature of the available data including the 2017 study. Dr. Kevin Harris, who authored the 2017 study was unaware of any public location for the data.
We created a Wikipedia page, “List of Triathlon Fatalities”, to serve as both a way to memorialize those that passed while competing in triathlons as well as a resource for those investing time in making triathlon safer. It was built with a sortable list of individuals who died as a result of competing in a triathlon or duathlon. The initial focus was U.S. but we have opened that up to any country globally. This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by expanding it with reliably sourced entries.
Special thanks to my daughter, Karena, for organizing and posting the data on Wikipedia as well as the multitude of race directors who assisted in the search for source materials.
California Triathlon is a 501(c)(3) charity that provides a premium no-fee membership to over 5,000 athletes worldwide. Our mission is to make the sport of triathlon affordable, accessible & sustainable by providing the resources, coaching and support needed for athletes to accomplish their goals.
New Issue of the Quarterly Cal Tri Magazine
The new quarterly issue of the Cal Tri magazine is available using the link below. Member Marvin Milian has put together 19 pages including:
- Epic rides
- Mark Allen
- S.P.R.I.N.T. 90 Day Program
- Cam Wurf Podcast
- Dates for clinics, discount codes for Blue Seventy, and nutrition tips.
Mount Baldy July 4th Ride
We are less than a week away from our annual July 4th Mount Baldy ride. This is a one of the classic rides in California and always a highlight of Amgen Tour of California. One of the best parts of this ride is that the road is closed to cars on the 4th so you won’t want to miss this ride!
After announcements and a group picture at 6:45am, the ride will begin promptly from Pioneer Park at 7:00am and head out on E Sierra Madre Ave for several miles to warm up before turning left to head up Glendora Mountain Road and up to Baldy Village. Once at the Village, enjoy refreshments at the first SAG stop and decide whether to return back to the park or continue on to lunch at the Baldy Lifts.
The Mt Baldy Post Office SAG stop will provide electrolytes, water and snacks. At the Mt. Baldy Lifts SAG, lunch will be served. CalTri1 (Team Vehicle) will be providing support from Baldy Village to the Lifts but due to the roads leading to the village being closed the team vehicle will not be able to provide support up GMR.
Because the best things in life AREN’T free, it will cost you a wallet-crushing $10 and a Cal Tri Jersey or Tri Top is required.
We are still looking for volunteers for the ride as well so if you want to earn a free race entry or all 2020 Epic Rides for free then please consider volunteering and helping your team mates. Volunteer at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Azusa/EpicRideMountBaldyVOGO.
What To Bring:
- Basic repair and maintenance kit:
- Spare tube, tire levers, pump or CO2, multi-tool, etc.
- Nutrition & Water
- Once we start up the mountain, there is no spot to refill water or nutrition until you arrive at Baldy Village so please make sure you pack enough.
- Cell Phone
- Anything can happen on a ride, it’s good to have this along but be warned you may not have service at times on this ride.
We have three options to suit every rider’s taste and since Option 1 is an out and back you can turn back at any time as well to suite your time constraints or ability.
Option #1 (27.2 miles / 3,200 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27707845
Option #2 (60 miles / 6,350 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27707851
Option #3 (68.3 miles / 8,200 ft): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27707857
Need some more encouragement to join in on the ride. Check out the pictures from last year’s ride here.
If I were you, I would sign up today.