On February 20th, 2010 not even a sudden rainstorm could dampen the determined spirits of the UCSD Triathlon team ("Tritons") as they prepared to host the Fourth Annual Tritonman Triathlon ("Tritonman 2010") located at Mission Bay, San Diego, CA, the site of the first modern triathlon. Many months of planning, and sleep-less nights went into preparing this sprint distance race (500yd swim, 12mi bike, 5k run) and their efforts did not go unnoticed. Not only were the Tritons aiming for a successful triathlon, but their goals extended to make this the first ever sustainable triathlon hosted by a collegiate team!

Race Director, Andrew Radin, led the team in organizing the event with full support from team leaders and volunteers. Sustainability and environmental responsibility was a central component of Tritonman 2010 and the Tritons showed that sustainable sports are possible with the right planning and focus. Through a partnership with the Council for Responsible Sport the team worked to follow 41 specific criteria for the race including recycling, composting of food waste, providing local and organic food, using alternative fuel vehicles for race preparation, and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. The Tritons also asked their participants to take a few “green” measures of their own. Racers brought their own swim caps and coffee mugs, and many carpooled and bicycled to the event. Co-sustainability officer Allison Johnston documented the team's efforts for certification by the Council for Responsible Sport.

But no amount of planning could have prepared the team for what Mother Nature had in store for them the night before the race. San Diego had already received record rains this winter, and when the weather reports predicted a rainstorm for the night before the race, the Tritons were a little apprehensive. Back-up plans included a Duathlon (bike and run) due to poor water quality or, worst-case scenario, a 5k in the event of muddy roads. The weather reports held true, and a high-powered storm rolled through Friday night making a mud-pit of the transition area, almost flattening the previous night's set-up efforts, but the Tritons and the athletes persevered. Triton volunteers arrived at 4:00am to save the race with participants flooding the island as early as 4:30am. While the mud may have deterred some, over 350 athletes raced and enjoyed this classic course: a smooth 500yd swim in Mission Bay, followed by a fast 3 loops of Fiesta Island totaling 12mi on the bike, and finishing with a quick 5k in the beautiful park opposite the island. Waiting for the finishers were baguettes locally made by Bread and Cie with homemade butter and strawberry spread from Carlsbad Gourmet, as well as delicious local, organic oranges and fruit leather from La Vigne Organics, and strawberries from Be Wise Ranch. Although participants left the course with muddy bikes, shoes, and clothes, first time racers and serious competitors alike experienced a unique event, and a truly great race.

In addition to hosting a successful event, the Tritons entered 7 men and 7 women to compete in the race. All 14 raced extremely well under the extenuating circumstances and stress of race-preparation, winning both the Men and Women’s collegiate divisions. In the men’s division, team veterans Tim Ray and Robert Krohn raced well, placing 5th and 6th respectively. Newcomers Bill Jones and Nick Sigmon rounded out the top 10 placing 9th and 10th. For the women, returning speed-demons Lisa Fong and Sarah Kavaler placed 2nd and 6th respectively, with newcomers Talina Konotchick, Gina Horath and Michaela Danek sweeping spots 13-15.

Finally, the UCSD Triathlon team would like to send out a big thank you to all of its sponsors who helped make Tritonman 2010 a great race: AVIA, Cliff, XTerra Wetsuits, Blue Bikes, UCSD Bike Shop, Chipotle, Trader Joe’s, Bread and Cie, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Lululemon Athletica, UCSD Catering, Be Wise Ranch, La Vigne Organics, and Carlsbad Gourmet.

And another Thank You to all athletes! We hope to see you next year!

Article: Jennie Stokes
Photos: Ben Migliori

Women's Results

Men's Results

Full Results