Craig Daily Press / Steamboat Springs Triathlon returns

Archive for Friday, August 24, 2007

August 24, 2007

Spectators: Steamboat Springs Triathlon volunteer coordinator Joy Rasmussen said the best two places to watch the race are the cycling leg turnaround point at the Howelsen Hill Lodge and the Lake Catamount transition area near the Lake House. Spectators will be directed to park in a nearby field at the lake, and Rasmussen encouraged them to show up at least 40 minutes before the 8 a.m. start and to stay behind the closed transition area fencing.

Those who want to get a closer look at the race action should consider watching from the course's three aid stations.

The cycling leg's aid station is near the turnoff from Routt County Road 14C and onto River Road. The paved running leg has two aid stations, one located a mile from the transition area on C.R. 18 and another at the turnaround point, across the bridge on C.R. 18C.

Volunteers: Rasmussen still needs race-day volunteers, namely course marshals, finish line greeters and aid station attendants. Participation includes a T-shirt, snacks and access to the after-race party. Volunteering also can count toward community service hours. Call her at 846-8678 or e-mail joy@mybrokers.com.

Racers: The race starts with four, five-minute wave intervals from 8 to 8:15 a.m. based on racer age, gender and division. The race site opens at 6 a.m. Sunday for racers to check in, set up transition areas and mark their bodies.

Photo by Melinda MawdsleyMeg Wortman

Meg Wortman

Steamboat Springs — Barry Siff and his event management company, 5430 Sports, hosts seven triathlons a year, including some of the biggest in the state, which often draw more than 1,000 participants.

But there's just something special about the Steamboat Springs Triathlon, Siff said.

"There's a really good feeling about it," said Siff, whose three-quarter-mile swim, 20-mile bike, and 4-mile run returns to Steamboat on Sunday. "People love the beauty of Steamboat and of the race course. :Steamboat has a great hometown feeling. There's a party atmosphere where everyone hangs around after the race, and it's relatively fast and over at a reasonable time."

The race starts at 8 a.m. Sunday morning with the swim leg at Lake Catamount. Racers then transition in the closed parking lot adjacent to the Lake Catamount boat ramp for the cycling leg, a 20-mile ride to Howelsen Hill and back along Routt County Road 18, Colorado Highway 131, C.R. 14F and River Road. Racers change gear again for a final 4-mile out and back run along C.R. 18 and C.R. 18C.

The awards ceremony will be held near the finish line at 11 a.m., and the running course will close at noon.

Despite last year's overcast and rainy conditions, Siff thinks the rate at which the race's 600 spots sold out more than six weeks ago is a testament to how popular the event is becoming both for Routt County residents and Front Range athletes.

This year's race includes racers from 17 states and Costa Rica.

There are no road closures for the triathlon, but Siff urged motorists to use River Road and Routt County Road 14 sparingly. Delays should be expected from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the cycling corridor of River Road and C.R. 14 between Howelsen Hill and Colorado Highway 131. Course marshals and public safety officers will regulate traffic from the cross streets onto River Road/C.R. 14.

Jodee Siff, 5430 Sports administrator, said an additional 25 charity spots were given to racers raising money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), but no additional entries or cancellation spots would be available on race day. Packet pick-up runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Lake Catamount. Teams must arrive together to receive their packet, and registered racers must attend a mandatory pre-race meeting at either 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lake Catamount transition area. Visit www.5430sports.com for details.