Below is information for the 2008 Salem Spring Triathlon, held on June 7, 2008 in Salem, Utah.

Click HERE for Salem Spring Tri pre race documentation (schedule of events, directions, parking info, check-in info, etc…).

Below are maps of the course and a map showing race-day parking. (click image to enlarge)

Popularity: 100% [?]

Salem Spring Tri

June 2, 2007

www.racetri.com

Men

1 Monte Still 57:28

2 Brad Gale 58:17

3 Mike Franklin 59:30

Women

1 Melissa McDaniel 1:07:16

2 Bri Klug 1:08:30

3 Sue Pope 1:09:17

Popularity: 6% [?]

Click HERE for photographs of the 2006 Salem Spring Triathlon.

Popularity: 8% [?]

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

Travis Snyder (TS): The Salem Spring Triathlon is the only event that I race direct. This is our fourth year and we are very excited about everything going on for 2006!

TH: Will you be doing anything differently?

TS: Well we believe in the whole idea if it isn’t broken don’t fix it and I believe our race is well received. We do however try to “sweeten the pot” each year with sponsored prizes, lots of goodies in the goody bag, and additional race features to add race quality. I like to think that every year the race is all around better. We also solicit athlete feedback for the race each year and for 2006 we will be graduating to chip timing to provide more thorough timing for all the athletes. Last year we had about 500 athletes and that is too many people to time yourself. Also the race will be a week earlier than last year, May 27, over Memorial weekend. If anyone out there has more advice for us let us know! (Editors Note: The date has changed several times online. May 27 is the official race date.)

TH: How will you address safety in 2006?

TS: Athlete safety is one of our biggest priorities and has been since the race began. Obviously the swim is the biggest concern for athletes and we address that by having Utah County Search and Rescue monitor the swim. They are trained in every lifesaving discipline and do a great job for us. On the bike and run portions, Salem city police will monitor all intersections and control traffic. Additionally we really try to educate the athletes so that they can make good choices on the race course to ensure their safety.

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

TS: It is a crazy amount of work and there are also a lot of people to please, Salem City, athletes, spectators, and sponsors. Sometimes the needs of the different groups conflict and it is stressful. For example, last year Utah County Search and Rescue wanted mandatory wetsuits on the athletes for safety and some of the athletes didn’t have one or want to wear one. Well, we just have to make the best decision for the race.

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

Worst-I already mentioned the hard work and stress involved, so that is the bad part. Best- I started the race because my wife wanted to do a triathlon and she was too scared to enter one so I set up a race course at Salem and she did it and had a great time. It made her really happy and it was neat to see. I realized the race I set up would make a great sprint distance race and lots of people could enjoy it. Watching all of the athletes realize their goals and have an amazing day is the best. I mean it is really cool to think that the race you created has helped to motivate people to train and get in shape and now their family and friends get to see all that hard work in action.

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

TS: Probably just read all the race info sheets carefully…most questions or confusions are already addressed at the race website or in athlete race materials. Also remember to HAVE FUN and not stress too much!

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

TS: It seems to be growing a lot. I only see good things happening. It is a great sport and Utah has great people so it is a perfect match.

TH: How did you first get involved in triathlons?

TS: I had just graduated from high school and got it in my head to do the Ironman instead of starting college. I learned to swim, bought a triathlon bike, and continued to run. I have been racing ever since.

TH: Is it challenging finding volunteers?

TS: No not really. Because Salem is so centrally located there are a lot of people who would like to get involved. Salem City absolutley loves the race and do a great job supporting it. I think races more out in the middle of nowhere struggle to get the people out to help. We still love any volunteers…I’m sure we can find a job for you.

TH: How can someone volunteer at your event?

TS: Just email us at salemspringtri@hotmail.com and let us know your contact info etc.

Popularity: 9% [?]