Some of the West Coast’s most well-rounded athletes were in Eugene on Sunday to participate in the Duck Bill Thrill Triathlon.
Hosted by the Oregon Triathlon Club, the race featured 160 participants who enjoyed a 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike ride and 10-kilometer run.
The race serves as a fundraiser for the University triathlon club. Last year’s event netted $3,000, and while the dollar amount has yet to be tabulated for this year’s race, event organizers expect similar profits.
Money is raised through participant entry fees and sponsorships, primarily from local businesses.
Because of how much the race benefits the University triathlon club, there is no shortage of student volunteers.
“I’ve gotten so much from triathlon, and this is our main fundraiser,” club member Kelsey Ward said. “It’s what pays for us to use the pool and have a coach and go to races for discounted entry fees. It’s what makes the whole year possible.”
In all, nearly 60 volunteers assisted race organizers in one capacity or another. Because nearly all of the race-day volunteers are tri-athletes themselves, they are able to assist race participants in ways that less-experienced athletes may not be able.
“Volunteers make a huge difference,” chief event organizer AlexAnn Westlake said. “After the race in the past I’ve gotten e-mails from competitors, and one of their favorite things is that we have the best volunteers. They’re so enthusiastic and caring for everyone, and that’s one of the things that makes a good race.”
Considering the Duck Bill Thrill is Eugene’s only triathlon, it’s no surprise there was a surplus of willing participants for this year’s race. Westlake said all 160 spots were filled days before the race took place, but she continued to receive inquiries leading up to race day.
Competitors from California to Washington descended upon Eugene to compete on one of the most aesthetically pleasing courses around.
“We have a really beautiful race course, and the athletes really like that,” Westlake said. “It’s out in the countryside. The bike (course is flanked by) trees, and there are covered bridges in the area.”
It all adds up to a positive race experience for most participants.
“It’s really rewarding and really exciting and we just have a lot of positive feedback from the
community,” Westlake said. “The community members really love the event.”
But even with 60 volunteers, it’s not easy task to put on a race of this magnitude. Westlake and other event organizers spent hours on the phone and computer working with potential sponsors and communicating with government agencies to attain land-use permits.
“Because it’s three different events, not just one thing, its like doing three races in one,” Westlake said. “So the amount of energy it would take to organize one running race you have to multiply by three in some aspects in order to get every portion of the race.”
The triathlon was first held in 2005 but went on a two-year hiatus in 2006 and 2007.
Then a sophomore, Westlake helped organize the race’s return in 2008, and has been involved every year since.
More than anyone else involved in the process, Westlake has been responsible for the Duck Bill Thrill’s success.
“AlexAnn has made unbelievable contributions to the race,” Ward said. “Her whole family was out there yesterday and today. Her dad was building the fencing and using his boat to set the swim course. Really since the beginning of fall term she puts in a few hours a week in the club sports office getting permits and organizing volunteers. She does such a good job.”
And like in years past, Westlake’s efforts paid off in a big way. With the exception of one participant getting a flat tire on his bike and another pulling out of the race because of frigid swimming conditions, the 2010 Duck Bill Thrill went off without a hitch.
“Everything went smoothly,” Ward said. “Everyone had fun.”
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