Triathlon overcomes Hurdles

In September 2003, the First Annual Tri-Peachtree City Triathlon was held in Peachtree City. Starting at 7am, participating athletes swam 1/2 mile in Lake Peachtree, then bicycled 12 miles and ran 3.8 miles along the city's golf cart paths. It was quite an accomplishment for everyone involved.

Fayette County attorney and para-athlete Eric Maxwell competed in the event and finished in 2 hours, 37 minutes. "I did finish and that was my goal," he says. "It's one of those things I'd always wanted to do and I was excited to be part of in Peachtree City's first triathlon."

Race organizers share that same exhilaration. Over the past five years, there had been several unsuccessful attempts to put together a triathlon in Peachtree City. The city had a list of concerns that became very real obstacles to getting the race approved.

Then in the fall of 2002, J.D. Holmes of Gold's Gym, Mark Anderson of Bicycles Unlimited and Joe Domaleski united as the triathlon brain trust and formed a race committee. The first race director, Bill McBride, was a key in getting the group organized.

"With the involvement of Gold's Gym, we had J.D.'s vision, Bicycles Unlimited brought a strong technological edge and the Peachtree Running Club contributed its valuable experience of organizing successful races," says Domaleski. "They all came together to see it through."

When McBride voluntarily resigned his position so he could train to compete in the Hawaii Ironman competition, Kim Brown took over the responsibilities of race director.

"It was a team effort, and sometimes a tag team effort," Domaleski adds. "By the time Kim took charge, we had the momentum we needed. Kim saw us through the rest of the challenges and did a fabulous job."

The group was determined to have the race in Peachtree City and worked with city officials to address their concerns, which included the timing of the race and the dredging that Lake Peachtree was undergoing.

"Peachtree City was our number one choice. We all felt very strongly about having the race here, despite the fact that Brooks wanted to host it," says Domaleski.

Once the race was underway, city officials embraced the race and hailed it as a fun and safe event for all. Race organizers are excited that they've fostered such a good relationship with the city and that local athletes responded with enthusiasm.

"The triathlon was a huge success. More than 150 people volunteered and 300 triathletes competed, twice as many as we expected," says Domaleski. "Our target was to attract first-time triathletes and over half of the competitors were first-timers. It was a joy to see so many people come out for the event."

Besides Bicycles Unlimited, Gold's Gym, and the Peachtree Running Club, race sponsors included Advanced Chiropractic Health Center; Advanced Media; Blackstone and Cohen; Bulldog Supply Co.; Classic Canopies; Community Health Focus; Susan Fitzgerald; Geeslin, Cordle, Johnson & Wetherington, LLP; Kwik Kopy Printing; MD Publishing; Peachtree National Bank; Slepian & Schwartz, LLC; Smith & Davis Clothing; State Farm; Titanwear; Warner Law Firm; and Wyndham Peachtree Hotel & Conference Center.

Concurrent to the race, the Tri-Peachtree City Triathlon Club was created with the purpose of supporting the specific needs of triathletes, duathletes and others interested in multi-sport training." "The club is open to anyone with an interest in sports," Domaleski explains. "We're here for people who are new to fitness as well as experienced triathletes."

In 2004, the Triathlon is scheduled for August 28. "Based on the success of last year, we're expecting between 400 and 500 people this year," says Brown. She adds that applications will be available through any of the sponsors and participants can register at www.active.com.

"We're always in need of volunteers," she says. Anyone who's interested in volunteering or getting their organization involved contact Kim at 770-632-6355 or the number below.

For more information about the Tri-Peachtree City Triathlon Club and race, call 770-922-3166 or visit www.tri-ptc.com