Triathalon marks 25th year

MEDICAL LAKE – It’s the silver anniversary for the Trailblazers Triathlon at Medical Lake. Dave Perry, who began the event 25 years ago to raise funds for adult athletic teams, and who’s still in charge, recalls its inception.

“We weren’t sure what to do,” Perry said. “One year we did a bed race. But that was more just for fun. Then we started thinking about what we can do. We have the water here, so we thought, ‘What about a bathtub race, or make your own boat out of milk cartons?’ Then sitting around watching TV one night, the Hawaiian Iron Man came on, and it just struck me, ‘There it is.’ We have the water, we have the path.”

All but a few of the triathlons have taken place at Coney Island Park. First the triathletes swim the width of Medical Lake, which is about 1,200 feet. Most wear wet suits and a cap, which is highly recommended, as the water is usually only in the 60s, and most likely much lower this year. Then they get on their bikes to ride about 12 miles around Clear Lake. They finish with a run of 3.4 miles around Medical Lake. It’s considered an event, not a race.

“Over the years we’ve gotten away from the competition aspect,” Perry said. “A lot of first-timers come to this, because it’s a small one, and they want to try it out. We also have a lot of experienced people. They go on and do the Iron Mans. But we keep it low-key. We put our emphasis on participation. Everyone gets a medal for finishing.”

Perry was a player for the Generals, an adult modified fast-pitch softball team. He then became the coach, the manager, and now he’s general manager of many area teams. Entry fees for the triathlon support these and area adult basketball teams.

The event takes place on Founder’s Day, a commemoration begun 37 years ago. A time to celebrate the people who settled the town, Founder’s Day offers many activities throughout the day. A parade kicks off the fun, followed by a day of softball, basketball, food, a car show, and many other events, including a historic trolley tour.

“We have an antique trolley,” said Leslie Smith, chairwoman of the Founder’s Day Committee. “We take you around with a 30-minute spiel. A lady gets up and tells you of all the (historic) highlight sights, when we were swinging.”

Now in her second year as chairwoman, Smith has attended nearly every Founder’s Day. Organized by a volunteer-run committee, the planning starts in January. There is a lot to organize, as thousands of people attend each year. Vendors also operate booths, although there isn’t much profit from these sales, as most of the proceeds are donated to causes.

“Friends for Children has a booth, and they donate their money back to Founder’s Day, or they give it to our food bank,” Smith said. “They also raise scholarship funds. It’s all kind of a continual cycle of giving.”

It’s a lot of work for many people. There’s much to set up, then on the day itself are registration, check in, getting flags at junctions, timing, and manning water stations.

Perry has his ball team and core group of volunteers, so although stressful, it’s also fun.

“It’s the quality of the people that impresses me the most,” Perry said. “It just never ceases to amaze me, the quality of the triathlete. They’re usually well-educated, professionals. They care about themselves and others. They’re courteous and friendly.

“Even when things didn’t go right, coming up the beach through geese droppings, they beared with it. I never had a coarse word.”

Perry emphasizes how all this could not occur without municipal aid.

“None of this is possible without the support of the city,” states Perry said. “The police, the Recreation Department, the Fire Department, and S.C.O.P.E.”