Luray Triathlon 2006

August 2005

I want to produce a triathlon. I’ve toyed with the idea of producing my own race but have been hesitant to make the commitment. I’ve been working with the Reston Triathlon as one of the Race Directors (there’s 7 of us now) for several years so have the experience to do it and the perspective to know that it’s a lot of work and potentially a huge financial risk. The demand by the local triathlon community for more races is high as evidenced by many of the local races filling up quickly.

September

I decide to produce two or three race and create a budget. My goal is simply to not lose money.

After researching possible venues within an hour or two of DC on maps and Web sites, Laura [my girlfriend] and I spend a day of driving to potential race sites west of Reston. Almost all fail race site suitability factors: too much traffic; poor road quality; inadequate lake access; road to lake not paved, etc.

One of our final stops for the day is Luray and nearby Lake Arrowhead. Laura and I noticed the paved trail along the river in town (Greenway) and eat lunch downtown at “A Moment to Remember.”

Laura: “This is a cute little town.”

I agree.

The park at Lake Arrowhead is beautiful and the roads are nicely paved with little traffic. Now, I need approval and support from the Town of Luray and Page County.

October

Me in a voicemail to Pat who heads Luray Parks & Recreation: “Hi Pat. My name is David Glover. I would like to do a triathlon in Luray at Lake Arrowhead next spring. I will send you an email with my proposal. Please let me know what you think.”

Excerpt from email that I sent Pat:
Proposed date in 2006: 5/14 (coincides with the weekend of the Festival of Spring)
Event Size:
- # Athletes: ~300
- # Spectators/volunteers: ~300

Pat replies that it sounds like a good opportunity for the town, but I’ll need approval from the Town Council.