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ANNAPOLIS TRIATHLON

Posted 8-28-08:

The 2008 Annapolis Triathlon has been canceled. The proposed Aquathon will also not take place. Full refunds will be given to all participants within the next 2-3 weeks. You will receive them from the race chairman E. Thomas Smith listed below. A letter from the race chairman explaining the situation and cause for cancellation is below: Please thoroughly read this and address any questions to: Faqannapolistri2008@gmail.com

Dear Registered Athletes of Annapolis Triathlon 2008,

As the Race Chair for the 2nd Annual Annapolis Triathlon, I want to thank all of the athletes for their patience and understanding throughout the processes of attempting to retain an Aquathlon event in light of the 11th hour permit denial from Anne Arundel County. As many of you now know, Anne Arundel County (not the City of Annapolis) denied us a Parade Permit for the bike portion of the Triathlon after we submitted for said permit in February of this year. We further began meetings, with the County Police, traffic engineer and church community at this same time in order to avoid the traffic related backups from the 2007 Annapolis Triathlon. Every indication along the way was that the County would remain flexible and work us to provide a safe race course and one that satisfied the faith community's concerns. While we did not garner 100% approval from every church along the race course we did acquire 80% of them, while agreeing to move the race to a Saturday beginning in 2009. This majority support came as a surprise to the County Executive's Office, and at the 11th hour the County Permit Office denied our permit based upon their determination that bike portion of the race, "would unduly disturb the safety and convenience of the public and their use of public streets". Since our first meeting with Police Department, safety was never an issue. We addressed the initial "pinch points" and "hemming in of neighborhoods" by revising the bike route. I have been involved with the sport of triathlon for 21 years and have never seen such nonsense from a jurisdiction. In fact, we did garner 100% approval from each and every Anne Arundel County State Delegate, including the House Speaker. Yet, that had no impact upon the County Executive and his decision to deny the bike route permit.

If you care to express your frustration, please send a letter, e-mail, etc. to:

The County Executive's Office; Chief Administrative Officer the Hon. Dennis Callahan, Arundel Center, 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401 or e-mail; dcallahan@aacounty.org .

I would ask that you keep your letters professional and express your desire for a triathlon event in 2009.

Myself and approximately 30-40 local triathletes spoke Monday evening, August 18th, at the County Council and expressed our extreme dismay of the permit denial. We provided traffic data, economic (positive) impact data, community support data (business, etc.) and the three earlier Annapolis Triathlons, put on in the 90's, that utilized the EXACT same bike course that we submitted this year. Hence, your understanding and support for the efforts in bringing another successful triathlon, as in 2007, are so greatly appreciated.

Since the denial of the “parade permit” for the bike portion of the triathlon, the race committee has been working towards an aquathlon event. We asked in a previous notification for each of you to express your interest in such an event or for a refund. We received approximately 1,400 responses, questions, etc. The volume was, frankly, too much while also trying to re-plan an aquathlon event. In the end, both race organizers and race director, are unable to host an aquathlon event of the caliber deserving of your time, energy and expense. It is my belief, as it was last year, that hosting any event needs to be the very best experience for each athlete. After two decades in the sport I, like you, have favorite races. These are the ones that make you feel welcome, special and leave you with a lasting experience, and yes the desire to return. That simply is not possible with an aquathon event at this late date.

Full refunds have begun, and will continue over the next 2-3 weeks. Again I would ask your patience, as each and every athlete will receive a complete refund of their entry fee.

This has been a most frustrating time for all us and I would like to express my sincerest thank you to Robert Vigorito, Race Director, and his staff at CTA for all of their time, energy and expertise in helping to provide the athletes with the quality race that you've come to expect in the last 25 years from CTA. CTA was retained for our event management and is not the event Owner, so please show them the utmost respect.

The race has been fortunate enough to maintain it's quality sponsors and hopefully with your support will again, in 2009, become a world class event.

Again, your support and understanding is truly appreciated,

E. Thomas Smith, Race Chairman, and Event Co-Owner
Annapolis Triathlon

Below is information concerning the inaugural race in 2007:

The start of a women's wave at the inaugural race.

Not since the first settlers arrived in the mid-1600s has so much attention been brought to Annapolis. This historic city is not only Maryland's state capital and home to the United States Naval Academy, but it is now the site of what will become one of the nation's premier triathlon events.

2007 was the inaugural running of this Olympic distance race and took participants along a dramatic course that introduced them to the charms and history of this amazing city know as the "Sailing Capital of the World".

Framed by two great tidal rivers (The Severn River and South River) and situated along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is the ideal spot for every imaginable water activity. Swimmers negotiated the picturesque waters of the Severn River, initiating a new chapter in this 300-year-old city's rich history.

The 40K bike route went through historic Annapolis, past the oldest functioning state capital building in the country, and through the neighborhoods and rolling farm lands of Anne Arundel County.

The 10K run course incorporated stretches of the nationally renowned Annapolis Ten Miler course that is both challenging and beautiful.

Experiencing the brick lined streets of Main Street and the hidden neighborhood gems that line the rivers and Bay, you'll discover what draws millions of visitors from around the world each year to this provincial town.

The Annapolis Triathlon takes you through enchanting city streets lined with cobblestone sidewalks and historic homes, beneath the tradition of Naval Academy Chapel dome and to the triumphant cheers of thousands lining the course. Cross the finish line in the heart of the town at the City Dock and start your own tradition.

Savor the moment when you make history in Annapolis.