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.

Triathlon tops 100 registrations!

Sea Isle's Tri for Our Veterans race has surpassed 100 registered partcipants. If you know of friends or family who are planning on signing up for this triathlon, please encourage them to do so-- remember, you can sign up as a relay team.

A. Race registration fees increase 15% on February 27.
B. This race will SELL OUT. Register now while it is still open!

Click HERE to register for the only triathlon in the US to benefit our veterans.

Swim Portion of the Race

No, this is not a picture of the start of the race!! Sea Isle's Polar Bear Plunge last week was amazing. There were so many people lined up on the Promenade and countless more in the water. We had a table and handed out information about the race. "The Swim" usually dominated the conversations, so I thought I would take some time and discuss it on the race blog.

First, the water will not be as warm as August-- pure and simple. However, it will be warmer than the Plunge. The anticipated temperature is 63-65 degrees and wetsuits are encouraged. Click HERE to visit our sponsor, XTERRA, for rentals. Now, keep in mind, this is a very short swim (400 meters) and most people will be out of the water within 15 minutes. In fact, the average time in the water for triathlons in Wildwood and Avalon was roughly 14 minutes. The winner of Avalon completed the swim in 7:53 minutes and the slowest time on record was 19:06. Plus, most competitors will run into and out of the water-- so there goes 100 meters. Last thought-- 10-15 minutes in 65 degree water or a year long tour of Baghdad. Hmmm...

Secondly, we are taking a number of safety precautions. Sea Isle's Police Department is in charge of the Beach Patrol and we are working with them to secure plenty of lifeguards for the race. We expect to have a team of guards in the water, on surf boards, in kayaks, and in rowboats. The City is also closely coordinating with the State Police Marine Patrol and the Coast Guard. We will have plenty of protection for our racers. If ocean conditions imperil our athletes in any way (i.e. rough surf, weather), we will yield to the Beach Patrol for a decision to cancel the swim and replace it with a 2 mile run.

Finally, the course is very simple and will not take you far off of the beach. We will start in a runners' stance and athletes will run into the surf and swim out 100 meters to a posted buoy/flag. Racers will then make the turn around the flag and swim with the current to the next flag, 200 meters away. The last segment is to swim 100 meters to the beach. This is a fairly easy swim and with a little training, you can easily complete it.

Personally, the first time I competed in a race (Avalon), I was terrified of the swim and did not practice AT ALL. Half way through, I switched from freestyle to breaststroke and completed in 10 minutes. I would not suggest this regimen, but my point is-- YOU CAN DO IT!

I will give segment updates like this for the bicycle and run portions in a few weeks. Check the registration page on Piranha by clicking HERE to check out the race maps.

Racing for a Just Cause: Semper Tri

It has been a very busy week. Registrations have really soared in the past two weeks and we are now 100 days away from the Tri for Our Veterans race. A number of news organizations have started to pay attention and I am guessing there will be a few stories about the race, once the weather breaks and Memorial Day comes into focus. In two interviews this week, I stressed the participation of Team Semper Fi and the courageous veterans who make up this team. Team Semper Fi is made up injured Marines and Sailors who participate in sporting events to help raise funds and awareness for our wounded. Check out their site by clicking HERE and learning more.

One question was raised in both interviews: "Ok, so 50% of the money goes to the VFW to refurbish the town's Veterans' Memorial fountain. The other 50% goes to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. What do they do?"

The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is a phenomenal organization-- 94% of every dollar raised goes directly to the injured Marines. They have a very low administrative overhead rate. The short answer is-- they do anything and everything to make a wounded Marine comfortable when returning home. Yes, the government provides a lot of resources for our injured soldiers, but they cannot provide all things.

As an example, The Inquirer published a story about a local Marine, Cpl. Raymond Hennagir, as he returned home from Iraq. Click HERE to read it. Cpl. Hennagir returned home from the front when an IED blew off both of his legs and part of his hand. His one request was to attend his platoon's homecoming from Iraq at Camp Lejeune, which would require a special medical van for the long distance trip. The US Government cannot pay for these types of requests; this is where The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund comes into play-- they paid for Cpl. Hennagir's trip to welcome home is fellow Marines. Cpl. Hennagir was 21 years old at the time of the explosion.

I first heard of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in this article. Combined with the article in the NY Times, this article pushed me to create the Tri for Our Veterans race. I am hoping you will join us on Memorial Day weekend and have some fun, honor our veterans, and cheer on Team Semper Fi.

Don't forget to REGISTER for the race. Click HERE.

Announcing a Founding Sponsor

Thanks to Bill Dalton (President) and Bridgepoint Insurance Group, a founding sponsor of the “Tri for Our Veterans” triathlon race. Bridgepoint is a specialty insurance agency that proves that all insurance is not the same. Bridgepoint advises clients on the design and selection of insurance programs that meet their specific needs and prides itself on customer satisfaction. Bridgepoint serves non-profit and human services organizations, the golf and hospitality industry, law firms, real estate, technology and many other industries. Click HERE to find out more about this excellent company.

New Developments, 110 days to go

Sorry for the delay in blogging-- just got back from a week in warm weather on business. Luckily, my company has a number of athletes employed and my team is stocked with triathletes. During the work week, I was lucky enough to run in warm weather and swim off the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. On Friday, I swam 1.5 miles in the Caribbean and capped the trip off on Sunday by running 13 miles on the deck of a cruise ship as it plodded past Key West....which got me thinking....Tri season is rapidly approaching. I wish you all the best in your training over the next few months.

Recent developments:

* I am very thankful for my friendship with Chuck Brodsky, founder of the Nation's Triathlon in DC. If you have been reading since the beginning, you know that Chuck and I worked together at a small DC software company, ran our first marathon together (Philadelphia) and he has been so helpful in my efforts to launch Tri for Our Veterans. Now, Chuck has gone well beyond the call of friendship and my race is featured on The Nation's Triathlon website. Click HERE to check out his site. He is almost sold out, so if you want to race in our nation's capitol this September, sign up now.

* New sponsor: XTERRA Wetsuits is sponsoring the Tri for Our Veterans race. How awesome is that!! Xterra has a phenomenal reputation in the tri-o-sphere as the best wetsuit, bar none. And now they are a major sponsor. More details to come. In the meantime, if you need a wetsuit for the race, click HERE.

* 110 days and counting-- as I have stated a hundred times, this race is a complete NON PROFIT and all monies go to the local VFW in Sea Isle and The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Please do us a favor-- if you want to sign up, don't hesistate...sign up NOW by clicking HERE. If you have already registered...thank you...but your mission is not over. We need more participants to raise enough money for our noble veterans. Pass along the details about this event to your friends, family, and fellow competitors. We have a team relay, which allows three people to join up and take a stage each-- and if they cannot find a swimmer to do the 400 meters in the ocean, email me at mcculleyfordham@hotmail.com and I will find one for you!

This race is going to be fun, well organized, and will surely make you proud to be an American. Plus, I am working on some great swag, like a beach bag, cool tee shirt, and, of course, a water bottle. Stay tuned, register, and get back to training.

Sellout is expected: Register now & receive discounted race fee

Sea Isle's Tri for Our Veterans race is off to a great start. In 30 short days, we have collected about 52 race registrations (much of these over the holidays). It is safe to say, we will experience a sellout because our agreements, with both the city and our timing partner, limit the number of participants.

Take advantage of the Grand Opening race registration and discounted fee. By the end of February, the registration fee will rise. Additionally, this is the first beach triathlon of the summer and we are expecting a lot of early interest.

Lock up your spot now and click HERE to register for the Tri for Our Veterans race in Sea Isle City, NJ. Remember, all proceeds go to The Injured marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW Post.

From the Civil War to Iraq/Afghanistan: When will we provide for our military veterans?

If you have been following the Tri for Our Veterans race blog, you know that all of the proceeds will be split between Sea Isle City's VFW Post 1963 and The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It is really important to keep our veterans in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve in the Middle East (we are approaching the 5 year anniversary of the Iraq War-- almost 4,000 US soldiers killed in action). Just this week, an important article was published, detailing the trauma these soldiers bring home with them from the front. Click HERE to read about it. Basically, it chronicles how our veterans struggle to re-enter American society after being on the front lines. After ducking bullets and dodging IEDs, they come home to a country tracking the latest drama with Brittany Spears. Our vets face a myriad of obstacles in the transition from the war front to the home front. Homelessness, for one, is a rampant problem for our returning soldiers and has been in every conflict since the Civil War. In 2006, our government counted 336,000 veterans as homeless, which is simply heartbreaking.

The aforementioned article will give you a better insight to the problems facing our returning men & women in uniform, but the one quote that caught my attention, "War changes people", reminded me of when I was a kid and my Dad would introduce me to certain Vietnam Veterans-- he would sometimes comment how different that his friend was before Vietnam. It is very sad to see the same problems occur, 30 years later.

Thankfully, great organizations are helping our returning soldiers and you can too. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is one of those wonderful organizations. The Semper Fi Fund has done a phenomenal job of raising lots of money (almost $17 million since May, 2004), while keeping expenses, like salaries, very low. For each dollar raised by the fund, 95 percent of that revenue is distributed to our veterans and their families.

When you are debating to do this race, think about how your efforts will go to help our veterans. Since this country's inception, they have protected and fought for our freedom and we owe them.

Click here & Sign up for the race-- we will sell out!

Get the Word Out: Sea Isle Triathlon

Ok, the registration has been open for 13 days now and we have seen a good amount of traction. So far, we have two (2) relay teams signed up and twenty eight (28) individuals. Check out the competitors on this website. We have competitors coming from the following states: MA, NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD. Not too shabby and I am pleasantly surprised.

The big story is the race blog, which opened in early December. Over 700 visitors from more than 20 states have visited the site. Five (5) different countries have visited the race blog. Most of the traffic comes from three websites: google (duh), USA Triathlon, and Piranha Sports (our timing partner).

Tri for Our Veterans has to thank a number of folks for helping to get the word out. For one, Piranha-- they are a great partner and sent out an email blast to their previous racers. Secondly, I have to give a shout out to Bubba Dogs, who has the best hot dogs in Sea Isle and a great attitude. Tim (Bubba Dog) is a veteran and has been kind enough to "advertise" the race on his own blog, which is one cool site for anyone looking to learn a little about Sea Isle, Philadelphia, and everything in between (Go Phils). Finally, my good friend Chuck Brodsky, who is the Founder of The Nation's Triathlon-- if not for his advice and guidance, I would be LOST! Check out his race in DC-- I am running it this year.

Click HERE to help out veterans and register for the Race....

You can also help by spreading the word about Sea Isle's Triathlon!

Origins of the Tri for Our Veterans race

This entry is a re-post of my first blog entry..."So why are you doing this...". A number of people have asked me about the origins of the race and I thought it made sense to repost it. Plus, our timing partner, Piranha Sports, recently sent out an email to all of their race community and new people are discovering the race blog. Lastly-- don't forget to REGISTER for the race...click here and you will magically be connected to our registration page.

Here goes....

Last summer, I completed four triathlons, a marathon, and an Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman). My MBA finished up in May and work was going very well. I spent a lot of time in Sea Isle and really enjoyed the long summer with my three daughters, my wife, and the rest of my family and friends.

Then, I read the article. I read the New York Times every day and this one was an Art & Entertainment piece, which I rarely read. It was a review of a photographer's work hosted by a NYC gallery. The article broke me. It made me feel so selfish, so guilty, so undeserving, so ashamed, so un-American because I did not serve my country like my father and grandfather. The article made me want to do something. The article and its pictures still haunt me. The article is still online and I go back to it now and again-- check it out when you can.

This idea, this race, this blog, and this post are all apolitical. I will not divulge my political party, my feelings for or against the war, nor the administration that launched it. I have only one goal: to give something back to the veterans who have fought in our previous battles and those who fight in today's wars. It is fairly simple, but, wow, is there a lot of work to do...

I came up with the idea to launch the "Tri for Our Veterans" triathlon race and host it in Sea Isle City, NJ, which is the beach town my family has visited for 40+ years. Triathlons are very fun-- you start off by swimming a certain distance, jump on a bike for a number of miles, then run as best as you can to the finish line. My race is going to be a "sprint" because of the short distances involved. Most folks think of the Ironman Series when it comes to triathlon races--- which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles bike, and 26.2 (marathon) race. Sea Isle's Tri will be a wee bit different-- 1/4 mile swim, 12.3 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on the beach's hard sand-- perfect for first timers, those looking for a beach workout after a long night at the Ocean Drive, or someone willing to help our veterans. For most people, they will complete the race in about 90 minutes or so.

Best of all-- the proceeds will go towards two fine organizations: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund & Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963, in their efforts to rebuild the town's Veterans' Memorial Fountain and Garden.

Which brings me to the title of this post-- I met with a professional timing company today, who will record and post all of the triathletes' times. They organize & host about 12 races a year as part of their business. When they asked about the purpose of the race, I let them know it was going to be a not-for-profit race...to which they responded...."So, why are you doing this..."

Read the article, check out the photographer's gallery http://www.jenbekman.com/artists/nina_berman/, and then you might get a sense of how bad these soldiers need our help and deserve our respect.

Wanna Race? You need to register......click here to help our veterans

New Year's Resolution: Register, Train for the race

Happy New Year! Many of us are waking up a bit drowsy this morning, cursing the cheap champagne, the never-ending toast at midnight, or the decision to stay up just a few more hours. Gyms are packed around the country with folks putting their resolutions into practice and there is a run on Advil at the local CVS to alleviate either the headache from last night or the sore muscles from this morning's workout (rarely both).

When making your New Year's resolutions, please keep Sea Isle City's triathlon race in mind and register for the Tri for Our Veterans race. That's right-- put a stake in the ground and say "I'm doing it-- I am going to train for the summer's first triathlon of the season". We need our supporters to register as early as possible. The race is restricted to 400 racers and we need all of the support we can muster. With an early sell out, Tri for Our Veterans will be able to better publicize the event, work on other fundraising mechanisms, and control our costs--- all of which will help us increase our contribution to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963. Remember, all proceeds from this race go directly to these two great organizations.

Finally, many of us count exercise as one of our many resolutions for January 1st. By late January, we all need some motivation. Any time I need a kick in the can to get out of bed and out to the gym, I think of the folks below-- feel free to do the same.

Len McCulley: My Grandfather. He has taught me so much in life. As a 19 year old soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, he was "volunteered" to flush a sniper out of a church steeple because he was young, green, and single. He won the Bronze Star for his efforts and eventually made it back to Philadelphia to marry, raise a family, and cheer for his Eagles. I often think of him during my workouts, especially today, his birthday!

Gary Gordon & Randy Shughart: These 2 brave soldiers risked their own lives to save an Army pilot in Somalia, as depicted in Black Hawk Down. I can't image having the courage to do what they did. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Our wounded veterans: If these folks can pull themselves out of bed for physical therapy, I am guessing I can pound the pavement to shed a few pounds.

Please click HERE to register for the race...we need you!

Registration is now OPEN!

Tri for Our Veterans race registration is now open for business. Our website and registration page went live this week. Click HERE to be linked over to it. All major credit cards accepted-- as well as checks/money orders.

Update: Congrats to Tom & Kara Cullen-- first athletes to register!

We have partnered with Piranha Sports to time the event and organize the registrations. For those triathlon newcomers, timing is very sophisticated these days. Piranha will provide a velcro anklet & RFID chip, which is tracked via computers. You will be able to view your results, including the "splits" for the swim, bike, and run, by the afternoon of the race. They are an AWESOME partner and organize a number of their own races. Lots of experience!

Three key points:

1. This race will sell out-- register now to confirm your spot.
2. The earlier you register, the cheaper the registration fees
3. If possible, please register by check--it saves us a transaction fee-- more money to the Vets!

Get a jump on that New Year's resolution & register today!

Thank you, City of Sea Isle

There was a meeting today in Sea Isle to finalize plans for the Tri for Our Veterans race and obtain official approval for the event. I have to tip my hat to all of Sea Isle-- your government and city employees were very helpful, encouraging, and happy to assist. The meeting welcomed all facets of city government-- Police, Community Affairs, Fire/EMT, Public Works, and Administration. The representatives could not have been nicer and more supportive. Finally, to our huge supporter, Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963-- this race teetered on your support and you folks believed in it, championed it, and made it happen. Without the support of the VFW and the City of Sea Isle, this race would never have made it off the ground.

Thank you very much for approving the event!

The website and registration system will be go LIVE by Friday, I think. Once the new year hits, we plan on launching a gorilla marketing campaign to get the word out to the community at large. Sponsorship is the next area to tackle. With city approval in hand, we need to quickly line up support.

So....are there any corporate sponsors out there??

The Marines have Landed

One of my favorite TV shows growing up was "The A Team", starring Mr. T and George Peppard. Peppard's character, Col. Hannibal, would always declare "I love it when a plan comes together" after a successful mission.

Although I recognize there is a tremendous amount of work to complete for the Tri for Our Veterans race, a lot of progress has been made in the past few days. My good friend, Chuck Brodsky, started The Nation's Triathlon in DC and continues to be a great mentor to me as I organize this race. (As a first time Race Director, I would be lost without his guidance). Chuck connected me with Team Semper Fi, which is one of the many initiatives of The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund-- yes, the same organization that will share in the proceeds from the triathlon. Team Semper Fi provides coaching, specialized sporting equipment, entry fees, and travel expenses for wounded team members/veterans. I spoke to the coach and sponsor of Team Semper Fi, explained the Tri for Our Veterans concept, and invited him to join the race. He accepted! Team Semper Fi will be sending about 12 athletes to compete.

Additionally, we received official recognition as an event associated with The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. With their official backing and Team Semper Fi's participation, the Tri for Our Veterans race carries a tremendous amount of legitimacy. My hope is to work with our sponsors, The City of Sea Isle City and VFW Post 1963, to attract a lot of media attention to the event, which will fuel registration figures, increase revenue, and, ultimately, the contribution back to The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It is a nice circle of partnership-- they officially recognize the race, we donate monies to them, and our veterans benefit from increased services.

It appears as though The Marines Have Landed in Sea Isle City!

As an avid racer, I am just thrilled and excited to watch the Team Semper Fi athletes compete in the triathlon. The Team Semper Fi competitors have incurred a number of battlefield injuries; some members have been badly burned, others suffered gunshot wounds, and a few have lost limbs to IEDs and other devices of war. Besides the grueling physical therapy program, these soldiers have completed a number of difficult endurance races, including The Marine Corps Marathon, Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and The Nation's Triathlon. Their grit, determination, and sheer will to compete and win is admirable and I am excited to watch them in action as they storm the beaches and take the streets of Sea Isle during the triathlon!

Unfortunately, I will not be able to compete in my own race because of the numerous responsibilities as race director (this is my only regret about the race, for I have always wanted to compete in a Sea Isle tri, considering I have spent every summer of my life in this fantastic beach town). However, I will certainly remember the obstacles and challenges these fine Americans have faced and overcome during my long training runs...God knows, we can all use some inspiration at mile 20 of a marathon.

Registration and website will be up by December 20!

"So, why are you doing this..."

Last summer, I completed four triathlons, a marathon, and an Ironman 70.3 (Half Ironman). My MBA finished up in May and work was going very well. I spent a lot of time in Sea Isle and really enjoyed the long summer with my three daughters, my wife, and the rest of my family and friends.

Then, I read the article. I read the New York Times every day and this one was an Art & Entertainment piece, which I rarely read. It was a review of a photographer's work hosted by a NYC gallery. The article broke me. It made me feel so selfish, so guilty, so undeserving, so ashamed, so un-American because I did not serve my country like my father and grandfather. The article made me want to do something. The article and its pictures still haunt me. The article is still online and I go back to it now and again-- check it out when you can.

This idea, this race, this blog, and this post are all apolitical. I will not divulge my political party, my feelings for or against the war, nor the administration that launched it. I have only one goal: to give something back to the veterans who have fought in our previous battles and those who fight in today's wars. It is fairly simple, but, wow, is there a lot of work to do...

I came up with the idea to launch the "Tri for Our Veterans" triathlon race and host it in Sea Isle City, NJ, which is the beach town my family has visited for 40+ years. Triathlons are very fun-- you start off by swimming a certain distance, jump on a bike for a number of miles, then run as best as you can to the finish line. My race is going to be a "sprint" because of the short distances involved. Most folks think of the Ironman Series when it comes to triathlon races--- which is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles bike, and 26.2 (marathon) race. Sea Isle's Tri will be a wee bit different-- 1/4 mile swim, 12.3 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run on the beach's hard sand-- perfect for first timers, those looking for a beach workout after a long night at the Ocean Drive, or someone willing to help our veterans. For most people, they will complete the race in about 90 minutes or so.

Best of all-- the proceeds will go towards two fine organizations: The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund & Sea Isle's VFW Post 1963, in their efforts to rebuild the town's Veterans' Memorial Fountain and Garden.

Which brings me to the title of this post-- I met with a professional timing company today, who will record and post all of the triathletes' times. They organize & host about 12 races a year as part of their business. When they asked about the purpose of the race, I let them know it was going to be a not-for-profit race...to which they responded...."So, why are you doing this..."

Read the article, check out the photographer's gallery http://www.jenbekman.com/artists/nina_berman/, and then you might get a sense of how bad these soldiers need our help and deserve our respect.

Wanna Race? Volunteer? More to come......