Don't forget the local races...

It's a sad day for the New England triathlon community. I'm all for the growth of the sport and the introduction of quality events to the region, but Rev3's announcement that they will bring a new event to OOB in late August of 2012 is anything but good news. Contrary to the attitudes being expressed by many local athletes, I feel as though this move represents everything that is wrong with the industry. Rev3, which is quickly becoming one of the most well known race brands in the country, made the decision to enter a very crowded calendar by picking the date it did. As a result, the Fireman Triathlon in Kennebunk will likely cease to exist following the 2011 event next week. A well-established local-favorite, Fireman has always taken place on the same weekend Rev3 has now taken over. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that the race community will be able to support both races and the smaller, locally produced event (not to mention the community it benefits) will suffer the consequences.

Personally, I hated hearing the news. My first experience with the sport of triathlon happened at Fireman many, many years ago. I was maybe 10 years old and I watched my dad compete in a relay with two of the older guys from my swim team. Then, a few years later, I went back a few times to watch him compete individually. I was still a few years out from embarking on a triathlon career of my own, but I remember thinking how great it was to have an event just a few minutes from our home. When I finally decided to give this sport a shot, I went to Fireman's Olympic event to watch my buddy Mark Cote (who was in town to drop off a bike I was buying off him) compete. My first ride on that bike - the same one I still ride - was on the Fireman course with Mark the afternoon before his race. The next morning I spent a few hours soaking in as much information as possible from the athletes, vendors and anyone else that would talk to me.  Later that year I competed in my first Fireman event during the traditional late-August sprint. I haven't missed a year since. It was at Fireman (and later other races) that I got to know Stephen Wright who this year became my coach. The race has really played an important role in my development as a triathlete. Is it the most important race on my schedule. No. Is it my favorite event. No. However, it is a must-do for me every season. It's a solid event that draws a good field and does a lot for the community (the same community where I work in the schools as an educator and coach). I often see athletes of mine, their parents, parents of kids from the elementary school, and fellow staff members watching, competing and volunteering at the race. It's always been a great way for the people of Kennebunk and the surrounding communities to gain exposure to triathlon without the expense, hassle or stresses brought on by larger, more corporate-feeling races. Sadly, according to Facebook posts by the event's director, all of that will likely end after this year's event.

I'm sure the Rev3 event will be well run. I know it will draw a deep field for both the Olympic and the Half. I am aware that I am in the minority for thinking Rev3 being added to the race calendar is a bad thing. But I hate seeing Fireman (or any locally run race supporting the community, for that matter) suffer because a national series rolls into town. Take a look at the few triathlons in the state of Maine. There aren't that many. That leaves plenty of open weekends for a race such as Rev3's. I, of course, do not know the details behind Rev3's decision making process, but it seems that they could have scheduled a race without demolishing a local race. I understand that it isn't their mission to grow Maine's triathlon community and it isn't their responsibility to protect smaller races. I just find it ironic that they are crushing one of the very events that built the foundation that is allowing a national production company to put on a race in the area. Either way, I get that they want to run a lucrative business. Period. That's what production companies like Rev3 and WTC do. Don't be fooled when they toss a few bucks back to a local charity or cause. If you really want to see what true community involvement looks like, both in terms of dollars and personal commitment, then look at the local race directors, not the brand name mega-events. Local race directors are the folks dedicated to the schools, programs, and people in a race's host town. As you set your 2012 schedule just remember to support the local races that support you.