USA Triathlon has announced its “Race Local, Compete Nationally” initiative presented by TriBike Transport, which provides USA Triathlon race directors with resources, payment flexibility and promotional support as in-person racing returns to the calendar.
The initiative includes a new COVID-19 Safety Certification, which grants “Certified Safe Event” status to USA Triathlon-sanctioned events that follow USA Triathlon’s Safe Return to Multisport guidelines in accordance with local government mandates. Race directors who finalize the sanctioning process by the end of this year can receive a refund from USA Triathlon on any sanctioning fees for races required to cancel in 2021 due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the races will be publicized through all of USA Triathlon’s marketing channels with over $100,000 applied to promoting the 2021 sanctioned race calendar.
The “Race Local, Compete Nationally” initiative is designed to assist race directors in driving registration, while providing athletes the clarity and confidence they need around COVID-19 safety at multisport events. USA Triathlon members will be encouraged to race locally and at the grassroots level, before making their ultimate goal to participate in a 2021 USA Triathlon State, Regional or National Championship or a race with a nationally competitive field.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting impact on races nationwide, has put a massive strain on the race director community in 2020,” said Tim Yount, USA Triathlon Chief Sport Development Officer. “Race directors are now charged with learning how to host safe events in a new era, while earning the confidence and buy-in of athletes and local authorities. As the sport’s National Governing Body, we are proud to offer resources and flexibility so that our race directors can not only rebound financially, but also continue to host safe, responsible and enjoyable events for the USA Triathlon family for years to come.”
"In this time of great uncertainty, we applaud USA Triathlon for stepping up to lend a hand to the lifeblood of our sport, our race directors,” said Marc Lauzon, Owner of TriBike Transport. “We are just as anxious and ready to start heading to races as all of our athletes are, and we are thankful for the opportunity to join USA Triathlon in supporting our race directors. This fantastic program will allow us to get back to enjoying the sport we are all so passionate about, and to do it safely."
COVID-19 Safety Certification
The new “Certified Safe Event” designation will be awarded to races that commit to implementing the best practices outlined in USA Triathlon’s Safe Return to Multisport initiative, a comprehensive and multi-pronged set of guidelines and recommendations for the multisport community to manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
USA Triathlon will provide qualified races with a “Safe Certified Event” logo and certification language; a custom letter to local authorities and government agencies explaining the certification; and personalized support where necessary to ensure events can take place.
Payment Relief
USA Triathlon will offer payment relief to race directors by refunding sanctioning fees for any 2021 event that is canceled due to local COVID-19 restrictions; waiving late fees for sanctioning payments through the end of 2021; and offering flexible payment options including payment plans, deferred payments and other solutions for race directors facing financial difficulties.
Race Promotion
Race directors will be invited to advertise their events through various USA Triathlon national marketing initiatives, including “Black Friday TRIDay,” “Treat Yourself,” #DreamingSeason and National Triathlon Week. These digital and social media-based campaigns — along with regular communications throughout 2021 — will promote events to triathletes across the country through national, regional and geo-targeted outreach while keeping USA Triathlon members informed about special discounts and flash sales. USA Triathlon members who register for events as part of Treat Yourself and #DreamingSeason will also have the chance to win a gift card from TriBike Transport.
USA Triathlon will apply more than $100,000 to social media, email marketing and search engine marketing to promote its sanctioned events calendar and encourage early race registration in 2021. Additionally, the organization will publish a new monthly content series on usatriathlon.org that highlights local and grassroots events across the country.
Community Resource Sharing
USA Triathlon will forge connections throughout the race director community to encourage more consistent and relevant sharing of information, resources, best practices and lessons learned. Opportunities may include town halls and race director panels, as well as conference calls and one-on-one meetings with race directors who have successfully hosted in-person events with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. Race directors interested in sharing their experiences and expertise in any of these forums may reach out to the USA Triathlon Event Services team at eventservices@usatriathlon.org.
To learn more about USA Triathlon’s “Race Local, Compete Nationally” initiative, click here. USA Triathlon race directors will receive additional information about how to access resources and promotional opportunities via email.
About TriBike Transport
TriBike Transport, the official bike transport service for USA Triathlon, has serviced over 130,000 satisfied athletes since its inception in 2004. This unique company was founded with one goal in mind: To ease the logistical challenges and exorbitant costs of transporting bikes to and from events via airlines or ground freight. TBT provides HASSLE-FREE, ECONOMICAL, UNPARALLELED bike transport service to and from destination cycling events so all you have to do is worry about the finish line. For more information, visit www.TriBikeTransport.com.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors – as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation – USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Triathlon Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of World Triathlon and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
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