Trophies for top finishers

Most races give out trophies or awards for top performances. Top relay team, 1st place, and top performances in age groups (i.e. Men 30-34) are all examples. Tri for Our Veterans is no different-- we will have awards and they will coincide with our veteran's theme. All top performances will win a customized dog tag key chain, as pictured above. I was worried if this was going to be well received by our military and veterans in attendance, but the VFW assured me it was "a-ok". My number one goal is to put on a great race and raise a lot of money for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, but a close second is to raise awareness to the true purpose of Memorial Day-- honoring our military. Hopefully, we can accomplish both!

We are now over 180 participants...guarantee your spot by registering HERE before we close out the race.

Press Coverage: Tri for Our Veterans

Click directly on the article for a larger viewing of the article.

Ok, it is not the New York Times, but I think the Sea Isle Times did a nice job of highlighting the race. We appreciate the public relations. If you are having a hard time reading the article, click HERE and it will take you to their website.

Call for Volunteers

Well, we have more than 170 people registered for the race and we expect about 350 total racers. This will allow us to donate approximately $20,000 to our veteran causes. Great news!

We still need help, though. The race is very difficult to organize and we need volunteers to help with traffic control. Do you have family and friends willing to help? Click HERE to sign up.

We are only asking for two hours of your time. Most of the volunteers will be asked to help with traffic control-- Pleasure Avenue and northbound Landis Avenue are closed to traffic. Volunteers will be asked to hold any vehicles from entering the course-- 7:30 to 9:30 AM.

Please spread the word-- folks can sign-up online by clicking HERE.

EXTRA, EXTRA: Mimi supports the troops.

BREAKING NEWS: Mimi registers for the Tri for Our Veterans race!

Wow. I am very proud to announce my Mom signed up for the race. After weeks of training, she felt she could safely sign up and compete. That's right..."Mimi", mother of three and grandmother to four beautiful girls, is signed up and ready to compete on May 24th. As a wife of a veteran, Mimi supported the race since its inception and has been a proud backer of our efforts to support our military veterans.

This is her first triathlon and she is very excited. It goes to show that this race is possible for all ages and even first timers. I have received a number of questions about this race, mainly from first time triathletes. Because of the short swim, the flat bike course, and the overwhelming crowd support, this race is a perfect setting for "rookies".

Nice job, Mom. I can't wait to give you a hug at the finish line!

Race GIVEAWAY....~Chill~, we have it!

Ok, so everyone I know asks, "Are you going to have Tshirts"? Of course. Every race has it and it is the one thing you can count on when entering a race. To start a race is sometimes just as competitive as participating in a race. In South Jersey alone, there are now 5 beach triathlons and we need to do our best to stand out from the crowd. I am very excited to announce the Tri for Our Veterans will be giving custom Polar Bottles to our first 300 registered racers. Click HERE to read all about the company. Honestly, this is NOT your average water bottle-- it is a 24 ounce insulated water bottle and will keep your beverage of choice cooler twice as long as the usual water bottle. If you shop at Dick's or REI, check them out for yourself-- and the pricetag-- (retails for $10). The bottle is perfect for your bike cage or your long days at the beach.

Yes, this is an expensive giveaway, but we want to make this triathlon a success in year 2-20, so we are doing our best to deliver a great, all around experience. The tshirt will be fantastic (logo is done and it is awesome), the Polar Bottle will thrill you, the course is fast-fantastic, and the food at the end of the race (Herr's pretzels, Rita's Water Ice, bananas, oranges) will satisfy you.

Only 70 days until the race. Be one of the first 300 to register and you get a Polar Bottle...wait until the last minute and you are out of luck.

Click HERE to register.

Tale of two American cities

1. Berkeley, CA: The city council was debating a measure calling for the ouster of the US Marine recruiting office because the majority of residents were against the war in Iraq. Once the state and federal government threatened to pull all funding, they broke ranks and modified their position. Read more by clicking HERE.

2. Sea Isle City, NJ: From day one, the city has WELCOMED our military veterans & supported the Tri for Our Veterans race - Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Mayor Desiderio recognized the importance of keeping the memorial in Memorial Day weekend and rallied his office and the city's departments behind the event. Folks like Vicki Feeney (Recreation) and Tom D'Intino (SIC Police) have been so suportive and helpful. By working together, we have put together a great race course and a wonderful event to kick off the summer. Recently, Sea Isle's Department of Public Relations issued a press release about the race-- read below.

There you have it America-- when the going gets tough, some turn their backs, while others help out. This race blog will remain apolitical; I do not think you need to be a Democrat or a Republican, for the war or against it to support the brave men and women in uniform. I think you just need to be an American.

Race update: 85 days to go and we have 139 people registered. Want to volunteer? Email me at mcculleyfordham@hotmail.com

Sea Isle City adds triathlon to calendar of events

Sea Isle City - A new event, a triathlon dubbed Tri For Our Veterans, is taking place in Sea Isle City on Saturday, May 24, 2008. The three-part race will begin at 7:30 A.M. and will consist of a 400-meter ocean swim, a 12.3 mile (4.1 mile loop) bicycle race and a 3.1 mile beach run.The event, which is expected to draw hundreds of athletes from around the region, will serve as a fundraiser for the injured marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle City VFW Post 1963. Additionally, organizers hope that the race will shine a spotlight on the needs of injured veterans and those serving in the United States Military.

According to Race Director Matt McCulley, the triathlon will be a positive way to kick off the summer season and celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. "We want to keep the word 'memorial' in Memorial Day," said McCulley. "Our real focus is on our returning soldiers, injured marines and the work Semper Fi Fund has done."Established in 2004, Semper Fi Fund provides financial assistance and quality of life solutions to injured marines, their families and other service members injured in direct support of marine units. The fund also supports Team Semper Fi, which is made up of injured marines and sailors who compete in athletic events that raise funds and awareness for wounded veterans. Team Semper Fi provides wounded team members with coaches, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees and travel expenses.

McCulley, who is not a military veteran, was inspired to organize Tri For Our Veterans during a visit to the Jersey shore in 2007. It was then that he decided to combine his love for Sea Isle City, his passion for endurance racing, and his tremendous respect for America's veterans - especially those who have been injured while serving their country."We have to put our best foot forward and give as much support as we can to our military," said McCulley. "The city of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963 have been supporting Tri For Our Veterans since day one, so I knew that Sea Isle was the right place for this event."

For information concerning the Semper Fi Fund, visit www.semperfifund.org . Those wishing to compete in the triathlon can register at click here.