Over the years we've interviewed TriUtah a few times, and it's always good to periodically check in. Special thanks to the Macho Man Marco Menchaca for reaching out to TriUtah's Dan Aamodt to get this "State of the Union 2023" update!
Do you see we are back to normal after the pandemic as far as participation in sports events?
For participants, I believe so. Participants are excited to be back out playing and enjoying the racing scene! I love seeing everyone at the races!
Like most small businesses, we are still working to overcome the punch in the gut from Covid. However, the vibe and feel from participants in 2023 thus far, is very encouraging!
How big is TriUtah permanent staff and how important is for your success the support from volunteers?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our operation, and enable us to deliver a positive experience for participants. So much so, we created the Race For Free program back in 2021, where athletes can volunteer for a future free entry to a race.
We also provide donations to groups of 10-30 who volunteer for us. Athletes make the best volunteers! We can't survive without them!
Triathlon, it's our thing... get out and support the local scene!
We see you have added multiple running and cycling events to TriUtah portfolio, how has been that experience and do you plan on expanding with more single sport or triathlon events?
We love hosting events! So, if we can provide additional options like running and cycling events to grow and support healthy lifestyles, without jeopardizing our triathlon event quality, we're all in!
You added a middle distance event this year for Echo. What can you tell us about that experience, and do we expect this to be a distance that will stay in the calendar for 2024?
I've wanted to add a half distance race to Echo for many years. With the fun climbing and fast descending combined with the incredible scenery, it was a no brainer. We plan on keeping the distance at Echo and we also recognize many areas to improve the bike and run courses (bike distance, better signage, etc).
For us to offer two half distance races (one in July and one in September), is important for the growth of new participation in the sport. Everyone wants to race in an Ironman or Challenge Family race.
So, for us to help athletes reach their goals by offering a build-up race calendar (from Sprint, to Olympic, to Half), we are providing them the opportunity to prepare for an Ironman/Challenge race in a fun, local, and affordable racing environment.
This is also why we offer up the Race Three, Save 20% campaign. Athletes can purchase a sprint, an olympic, and a Half distance race and save 20% all while racing locally and preparing for a Full distance event!
Utah has a very large and strong triathlon population, with many athletes favoring Ironman events and not necessarily racing locally, why do you think that is the case? What would be your message to those not racing local events?
Just look at Ironman's rich history and brand power, and that will tell you why Ironman events are so popular.
I've been involved in triathlon since 1988, and Ironman was the king of multi-sport then, and it is king now. It's because I saw the 1987 Hawaii Ironman on TV, that introduced me to triathlon.
For runners, the iconic race to do is Boston. Cyclists, it's The Tour de France. For us crazy triathletes, it's Ironman (or to dig deeper, it's Kona).
All events, whether local or international, help each other out in one capacity or another. TriUtah's mission is to help athletes reach their goals through providing high quality local events; So, rather than compete with the big boys, we schedule our races two-three weeks out from an Ironman race; as a stepping stone to a higher goal.
Racing local is a blast! Plus, supporting local businesses and charities is so much fun because you get to meet, compete, and mingle with your friends...
Do you think local events need an elite or open category and could that attract more athletes?
We used to have an elite/open category back in the early 2000's through 2015. But since then, there hasn't been enough elite participation to justify an elite/open category. If more than one or two elite athletes participate in our events, then we are more than happy to add an Elite/Open category.
Do you see space in the local scene to put a draft legal sprint race? Something like a Salt Lake Classic using a local pool for swimming and bike riding on a closed, multiple loops urban circuit?
A draft legal sprint race is definitely on our radar.
Looking ahead we have still multiple races in the season, do you have any special highlight or message you would like to send to the athletes?
We LOVE the Utah tri community and appreciate all the support over the years! We hope you'll join us either as a participant or as a volunteer!
Keep in mind there are more great Utah Triathlon Championship Series races coming soon:
Next up in the Series!
1) Mar 25: Ice Breaker
2) May 6: St. George 70.3
3) May 20: Sand Hollow - Olympic
4) May 27: Daybreak - Olympic
5) Jun 24: Jordanelle - Olympic
6) Jul 15: Echo - Olympic & Half (new distance)
7) Aug 12: East Canyon - Olympic (State Champs! + Bonus Points for Season Rankings)
Note for East Canyon there's also a Sprint distance option as a non-Championship Series race.
*****Below is the 2023 UTCS lineup! Check out this post if you need a refresher on how the UTCS works.*****
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| Show up at 3 or more UTCS races to qualify for 2023 season swag & awards! |
Below are links to all 2023 Championship Series races:
POPULAR LINKS
UTAH TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 2023 --> HERE
AGE GROUP RANKINGS 2022 --> HERE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT HOLDERS (scroll below)
MOST IMPROVED TRIATHLETES --> HERE TOP LOCAL RACER AWARDS --> HERE IMSG "COUNTY COMPETITION" (MAY BE REVIVED) --> HERE
UTAH TRIATHLON HISTORY 101 --> HERE
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Local triathlete Steve Monson has a stellar reputation
as one of Utah's finest financial advisors
We started a Patreon account (link below) with the hope of raising a few bucks towards awards & swag for athletes of all abilities in our tri community. We've given out a lot over the past 3 years, but would like to continue to expand our offerings & the volume we can do.
If you enjoy Utah Tri Buzz and would like to pitch in, any amount would be greatly appreciated... (there may be something in it for you as well!)
We're also always grateful for talented people who contribute in terms of time... let us know if you'd like to be part of the Utah Tri Buzz team.
