Race Previews

T-MAN ON HOLD...

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 03:30

Turtleman Press Release:

The Turtleman Triathlon - Minnesota's oldest triathlon, is on hold for the second time.

Sixteen years ago the event was absent from the scene for two years until an all-volunteer group of athletes led by Shoreview's Marsha Soucheray brought it back to life. It grew to over 1000 participants, including may who paid a premium price for a "charity slot" after registrations filled. Three times it was voted "Athletes' Favorite" and was often a finalist in that voting.

But the past three years have not been kind to the event. In 2009 huge wind and rainstorms eliminated the swim and forced termination while many were still out on the course. In 2010 the water level in the lake fell such ... that competitors had to wade through a great deal of mud before reaching open water - not fun. Last year, with the water level still low, the race committee switched to a duathlon format to keep the race alive. Kevin O'Connor dubbed it the Minnesota State Duathlon Championships as one of the four events in the 2011 Championship Series. Fewer than 200 signed up.

"All those people who said they'd do the Turtleman if it weren't for the swim," commented current Race Director Mark Stange, "- - they lied." Those that did come enjoyed both an excellent race and the best odds of winning the highly-prized Gear West post race drawings.

This year Ramsey County is in the middle of a major reconstruction of the park. The water level remains low and the beach remains mud. Plans to add more beach sand were thwarted by ice to thin this winter to support delivery trucks.

"People came to the Turtleman because we had a great park, a great beach, and a great lake to swim in. They came in such numbers that we were able to afford great prizes and perks - and were able to give back to the community and the various organizations that supported us," said Soucheray. With the park torn up, no beach, and low water, the committee came to the sad conclusion to put the race on hold until it can be brought back in the conditions that once made it so popular. "Attempting another year with low numbers would only add to a growing negative reputation," said Stange. "The race shouldn't suffer that.

Hopefully, the park's new buildings and landscaping will be in great shape by August of 2013, The cyclic nature of lake water levels and winter ice should also bring back ideal conditions for a race that has been so popular in the past - one that went a long way in inspiring the growth of triathlon on Minnesota. GREAT T-MAN VIDEO