Tri Hive (TH): Please tell us about your event for 2006.
Michael Mamales (MM): The Saratoga Splash Triathlon for 2006 will be the 5th annual event, taking place on Saturday, June 11th, 2006. Sponsored and hosted by the Desert Sharks Triathlon club, and the Saratoga Springs community, the event will include adult open water and pool swim sprint starting at 8:00am, and the always favorite kid’s pool triathlon starting at 10:00am. All abilities and ages are welcome. The event is a USA Triathlon sanction race. This race is part of the Desert Sharks/Zenergy Body Works point’s race series.
TH: Will you be doing anything differently?
MM: Last year with the abundance of water, we were able to extend the distance of the open water swim to 300yds. We are planning to meet and possibly extend that distance. The added distance will allow for a smoother swim and transition. We will also be looking at a new timing system to improve and accurately calculate splits and overall times for athletes.
TH: How will you address safety in 2006?
MM: Safety is always our number one concern. We recruit the services of the local Sheriff’s office, Utah County lifeguards, and Shark’s volunteers, to ensure that the athletes are watched over and directed in the right direction from swim start to the finish line of the run.
TH: What can participants do to make your job easier?
MM: This year’s race will involve signing up on Active.com. Just following the links from either the Desert Sharks web site ( www.desert-sharks.com ) or Tri Utah’s (www.triutah.com ) , or searching on www.active.com. THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION.
TH: How did you first get involved in triathlons
MM: I blew out my knee playing softball; and after three knee operations, I was ready to try something to get back into shape. I started riding my mountain bike a lot to rehab my knees. I could barely swim a length of the pool, or run more than a half mile without my knee killing me. But I knew that if I kept at it, cross training with the three disciplines, I could get back into shape. I competed in my first triathlon in 2001 on my mountain bike, way back in the pack…but I enjoyed the thrill of competing again, and was hooked on the sport for good. I eventually extended the distance from my first sprint to my first Ironman finish in 2003.
TH: What are some things participants probably don’t know about being a race director?
MM: Sleep deprivation is the number one item missing in the life of an RD. The race actually begins 4-6 months in advance; from obtaining permits, to volunteer recruiting and sponsorship contracts, then race setup and break down, and finally to the awards (the awards given out last year to the top finishers were actually hand made! We’re hoping that we’ll rank them as high as the Spudman Trophies someday!).
TH: What are the worst & best parts of the job?
Did I mention sleep deprivation? You get over it the next day. I really enjoy watching the start of the race; anticipating the gun start, watching the athletes crossing the finish line. But the best is the kids and how each one can bring such a smile to your face.
TH: Is it challenging finding volunteers?
MM: Wow, that’s always a challenge. It’s very important to have volunteers at races. Sherriff’s department, life guards, sponsors, and spotters/pointers are all important volunteers. Without volunteers, things just can’t go smoothly. We try to accommodate them as best we can with shirts and goodies to keep ‘em going. It takes weeks to months ahead of time to build a solid list of volunteers to assist in the race.
TH: How can someone volunteer at your event?
MM: An individual or group can volunteer by emailing me or anyone of the Desert Shark’s officers located on our web site. Again, that web address is: www.desert-sharks.com Just click on the link for “About Usâ€, then “Club. Officersâ€, and that will get you in the right direction. We will soon have the information ready for signups for the race, so be ready to have fun and enjoy the season with the Saratoga Springs Triathlon ’06.
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