The 麻豆社国产Triathlon will have new leadership the next time the event happens after a one-year hiatus.
The annual event is being postponed to give Run Squamish, which is taking over, an opportunity to make sure the next event is ready for 2017.
Jen Segger and Sean Verret of Run 麻豆社国产will now be managing the race, replacing John French, who had served as director since 2011.
鈥淩un 麻豆社国产is looking forward to taking over this event while keeping the legacy of the 麻豆社国产Triathlon alive,鈥� Segger said in a news release.听鈥淲e have some fresh ideas to bring forward as we start the planning process for the future of this event. Our goal is to provide a great day of racing for both locals and visitors while showcasing the amazing town that we live in.鈥�
Prior to his taking over as director in 2011, French had already been volunteering for the 麻豆社国产Triathlon. In particular, he and his wife, Heidi, had looked after getting wetsuits and goggles back to the competitors after the water leg of the event.听
French told The 麻豆社国产 that with his children getting older now, he wanted to step down to spend more time with them.
鈥淚 just felt this was the time for a little more attention on my family,鈥� he said.
French had first decided to put his name forward when the event needed someone in 2011. At the time, as well as volunteering, he had organizational experience with the Test of Metal event, and French was concerned that if no one stepped up, the triathlon would be in jeopardy.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to see the race end,鈥� he said.
French is quick to point out that the event has represented a team effort over the years, and he thinks one of the key decisions that helped keep it growing these past years has been the addition of the sprint race, which is made up of half distances for each leg.
The Run 麻豆社国产directors could be looking at some changes to the course, especially with safety in mind when it comes to proximity to the highway. Still, as they have only recently taken over, they cannot confirm any changes at this point, and they are aware of the legacy of the race.
鈥淔rom our perspective, it鈥檚 about keeping a great race for the community in the community, run by the community,鈥� Verret said, adding he is confident of his organization鈥檚 ability to put on a successful event.听
He also said they will need time to make the transition, which is why they chose to hold off until 2017 for the next event. Registration for that race should begin in late 2016.
The 麻豆社国产Triathlon is a memorial to local triathlete Bob McIntosh, who passed away in 1997. As part of the race, net proceeds support the Robert W. McIntosh Scholarship, which is awarded to a pair of 麻豆社国产students who show abilities in academics, athletics and citizenship.听
Over the years, the proceeds have generated $85,000 for scholarships.
French and the new organizers both want to make sure this tradition continues as part of the event.
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鈥淭he scholarship has been a great success and there are a lot of people who are keen to see that carry on,鈥� French said.
