Event Organizer Feature - Shaun Richer
Triathlon came into my life through friends. I found myself cheering on athletes at the Ironman Canada finish line on a summer trip to Penticton in 1998. I was inspired and overcome by emotion watching each athlete cross the finish line, I just knew this sport was for me. I became dedicated to training and participated in multiple race distances; Sprint, Olympic, Half and Ironman competitions for over a decade. I enjoyed travelling to races all over Canada & the US. With friends and family by my side in 2010, I completed my 7th Ironman in Penticton where it all started. Throughout this time, I volunteered for the Woody's Triathlon in Red Deer and I also began to shift from competing to officiating. Dedicated to growing the sport of Triathlon I sat on the board for Triathlon Alberta, was the chair of the Technical Committee and still travel internationally to officiate races. I am the proud Race Director of the Woody's Triathlon; it is a privilege to create a safe, fun triathlon for athletes of all ages.
In 2000 the Woody's Triathlon began as a fun, non-competitive family race and has always been supported by Woody's RV World and the founder Woody Paylor. The race has evolved into one of the largest youth triathlons in Alberta. It is a weekend of fun, friendship and coming across the finish line to a medal and a finish area full of family fun. I have enjoyed being a part of this event for many years and as my love for Triathlon evolved, I was excited to become the Race Director. Year after year I am supported by an amazing committee of volunteers who help see Woody's vision through community, sport and fun. As a friend who encouraged me to train and race, Woody has inspired so many athletes in our community to try this amazing sport. To know we can meet 100's of kids in the pool each week to train, cheer on 100's of athletes on race weekend supported by 100's of volunteers is truly amazing. It is an honour to give our community this experience and to see firsthand the joy triathlon can bring to each athlete.
The Woody's Triathlon is dedicated to promoting the sport of triathlon to people of all ages and abilities. Cheering at the finish line you will see smiles from 5 year olds, junior teens, adults, inspiring seniors and para-athletes; it's a celebration of accomplishment. Although the 20th Anniversary race had to take a pause in 2020 the fun is back this year in June! Saturday is dedicated to the kids, kids aged 5-15 years old. Early Sunday morning the Adult Sprint race kicks off a day of many events including a Try-A-Tri, Relay and Junior Sprint Competition. The Woody's Triathlon has a lot to be proud of providing a kids training program, community connection and a weekend of great memories for all athletes. Registration will open next month at woodystriathlon.com.