Why Do Pros Do Local Races?
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to add another race to my schedule - the Edisto Island Pro-Am Triathlon. It was a 70.3 distance and the first non-Ironman owned race I’ve done in 3(!!) years.
So why did I do a “local” race?
Well, it was 60 miles from my brother’s house, which is in Charleston, SC. A family visit worked into a triathlon was an efficient way to make the most out of a long weekend away. And they offered a pro field and pro prize purse, which was a huge plus. With a 3-month delay to my season, it was a great opportunity to race again. However, the experience was also so eye-opening! I’d been so used to the formula that Ironman follows that I almost let a few details get the best of me.
True southern fauna with Spanish moss:)
Here are my takeaways that can help in your next non-Ironman race:
1. Go to the race briefing in person or virtually
Not having a required race briefing nearly threw me off. I forgot to ask about pre-race morning clothes bags, so I watched the briefing that the organizer put on Facebook. This answered my questions about the swim start and race shuttle, which was required since the swim was point-to-point but the drive there was 7(!) miles.
2. Check the drafting rules
The drafting rules may be different! The race I did was followed a 3 bike length draft rule, quite a bit closer than the 20 meters I’m used to in Ironman!
3. Be vocal with volunteers
While the volunteer-to-athlete ratio was similar to Ironman, there were fewer volunteers, so I called out what I needed or grabbed it from the table. The littering zone was also so short that I finished the race with cups in both hands since I had nowhere to dispose of them!
4. Bring your own photographer
No FinisherPix here! But you can usually get to your phone before your sweat even dries and take photos with your friends!
Me and Grace Alexander
5. Make time to hang out afterward
This is true of any race, but there is something a little more special about the after-party and food offerings of independently owned races. One of the races by me serves pumpkin pancakes and bloody marys after!
6. Thank the RD
My teammate, Garrick Loewen, recently raced Barrelman instead of Michigan 70.3. When I asked him why, he said “Many local events are struggling to survive due to rising operational costs and declining participation. Supporting these races not only selfishly aids my personal growth but also helps sustain the triathlon community.”
Local races are what introduce people to triathlon, even if they are just spectating. Without these mom and pop races that offer shorter distances, there is no “top of the funnel” for triathlon. So find an RD or a staff member and thank them!
Other perks of this particular local race:
1. The morning of, I parked about 200 meters from transition.
2. I loved sharing the bus to the swim start and feeling like we were all starting our voyage to the start line together.
3. The 16 male and 9 female pros all started together. With so few of us, there was no hiding if you’re playing dirty, but we all fanned out immediately and enjoyed our own personal space.
4. They gave the most unique swag and prizes - a collapsible canvas basket with straps, socks, and a towel!!
Love these bags!!
I ended up second and had a fun battle with Grace Alexander and Caroline Kaplan. I would definitely do this race again (or another one of the South Carolina Tri Series races) to support the lifeblood of triathlon events and enjoy the triathlon community in a more intimate event.
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