Tri Hive (TH): Please tell us about your events for 2006.

Shaun Christian (SC): We are going to be hosting a new race this summer. The Telos Utah Valley Triathlon on June, 17th 2006 at the Lincoln Beach boat harbor in South West Utah County. We are very excited about this venue. Utah Lake is actually pretty out there. We will be hosting an Olympic and Sprint distance courses. The bike course runs out around West Mountain were you can ride on any given day and rarely see a car. The run course is flat with a few rolling hills on the short trail section of the Olympic course.
We will also be hosting the Telos Turkey Triathlon November, 4th 2006 at the new and improved Orem Recreation Center. This is always a fun, last race of the season, to do. We had a great turn out this year and anticipated the same for next year.

TH: Will you be doing anything differently?

SC: Other than this new race, we will be keeping the new bike course that we had for the Telos Turkey Triathlon. I had lots of positive feedback from the racers. We will try and lengthen the swim to 500-600 meters. The problem with the pool swims is that get so congested even with having the swim last and it makes timing the race a nightmare.

TH: How will you address safety in 2006?

SC: We are going to be asking the Utah County Sheriff Team to help us out with the swim as well as the bike and run. The beauty of this venue is the lack of traffic on the bike and run. We held a race out there this summer for the students and staff of Telos and had three cars drive through during the entire race. We will continue to have the Orem PD and the life guards at the Orem Recreation Center help us with the Telos Turkey Triathlon. We will also count on all those wonderful volunteers who make these races possible.

TH: What are some things participants probably don’t know about being a
race director?

SC: It takes a lot of time, effort, patience, and help. We receive tons of questions via emails and phone calls for these races and it is very time consuming. These races are not cheap to put on either. Some of these costs include: insurance, venues, city, supplies, race shirts, advertisement, timing, online registration, medals, and prizes. I am grateful that I have a team here at Telos that are willing to help me with anything.

TH: What are the worst & best parts of the job?

SC: The worst part is all the prep work. The best part is watching all those Triathletes having so much fun on race day.

TH: What can participants do to make your job easier?

SC: Locating the race information online and registering early.

TH: How do you see the future of triathlon in Utah?

SC: I have already witnessed the growth this sport has had here and I love it. I believe it will continue to grow and succeed.

TH: How did you first get involved in triathlons?

SC: I volunteered at an Ironman race and I have been hooked ever since.

TH: Is it challenging finding volunteers?

SC: Yes, I always think I have enough but come race day I could always use a few more.

TH: How can someone volunteer at your event?

SC: Email us (csnow360@yahoo.com) or contact us by phone (801-368-8279). They always get hooked up with shirts and swag.

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