All ages of participants at the finish line of the recent Lost Almost Triathlon. Courtesy photo
Scene from Lost Almost Triathlon, which is being hailed for providing an opportunity for first-time riders and seasoned participants alike. Courtesy photo
LOST ALMOST TRIATHLON NEWS RELEASE
When repairs closed the Los Alamos County Aquatic Center this year, it looked like Los Alamos might go without an in-person triathlon. The community’s triathlon streak was lost — almost.
That was the inspiration behind the name of the Lost Almost Triathlon, a new kind of community race designed to make triathlon accessible to experienced and first-time triathletes alike.
The race is the brainchild of James Wernicke, who has been working to save East Park Pool this summer through community events. “East Park has direct access to the Canyon Rim Trail, making it perfect for this kind of event,” Wernicke said. “After 64 summers, East Park might not open next year, and I wanted the whole community to at least be able to enjoy it one last time.”
The event attracted 42 participants, ranging in age from 4 to 71. Ten registered athletes were under the age of 18, while 19 said this was their first triathlon. Athletes came not only from Los Alamos and White Rock, but from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Española, Rio Rancho and Fort Sumner, as well as from Colorado and Washington.
Athletes could choose various distances, allowing families, beginners and experienced competitors to participate together in the same event. An adaptive division helped make the event accessible to athletes for whom the standard courses were not appropriate. Among the participants was a blind racer who completed the cycling portion on a tandem bicycle.
“We wanted to create a triathlon that was more about community than competition, where somebody could show up for their first race and feel like they belonged,” Wernicke said. “Seeing young kids, experienced athletes, first-timers and families out there together was exactly what we hoped for.”
One athlete described the race as having “great camaraderie among all involved,” while another highlighted the “good low pressure environment” and “awesome volunteers.”
As expected with a first-year event, the post-race survey gave organizers a roadmap for making the event better next time.
“We learned a tremendous amount from the first race,” Wernicke said. “The feedback tells us both what people loved and where we can make the next event safer and smoother. The fact that so many first-time triathletes came out and gave it a try tells us there is a real appetite for an approachable community event like this.”
Special thanks to our sponsors Los Alamos Children’s Dentistry, Samizdat Bookstore, and a local anonymous business — you know who you are! We also extend our thanks to the many volunteers, athletes, families and community members who helped make the Lost Almost Triathlon a success.