Regions MIDEAST The ITU is bringing the World Triathlon
Series to Chicago. Here are some reasons for Mideast members to be excited: The World Triathlon Series, which will take place in eight cities
around the world, will stop in Chicago June 27-29, 2014. This will be the only stop in the United States for the series, and it will add another great race to the Mideast region. The event will feature the ITU’s spectator friendly pro race. The multiple lap draft-legal style of racing, same as seen in the Olympics, allows fans to follow all the action. The pro field is sure to include several Olympic medalists and world champions. The race however isn’t just for pro athletes. The event will feature the traditional non-draft age-group races. These events
are scheduled to take place on June 29 before the pro events. In 2014, the event is open to anyone who wants to race. The event will have age-group sprint- and Olympic- distance races. It will also feature an open category paratriathlon. Relays will be offered in both distances as well. Finishers in all races will feel like a pro for the day, as they finish on the blue carpet in front of Buckingham Fountain. Mideast members looking to qualify for worlds in 2015 should
take note: this will be the same venue as the championship race in 2015. One thing for sure is adding this race to the region means there are plenty of great races at home in 2014.
MID-ATLANTIC In response to the growing ranks of
youth interested in the sport of triathlon, Kids Tri NC and Triangle Multisport teamed up to create another opportunity for kids to participate in triathlon in the Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill). The Tar Heel Youth Triathlon was held on October 20, 2013, at the Homestead Aquatic Center in Chapel Hill. Although chilly at the start, it was a beautiful fall day with clear sunny skies and temperatures warming into the 60s. The race followed on the heels of the well-known and highly successful Swim for Smiles Youth Triathlon, which has been held in Chapel Hill for the past seven years. Nearly 100 kids competed in two age-specific distances based
on USA Triathlon guidelines for youth races (100-yard pool swim, 2-mile bike, 1-kilometer run for ages 6 through 10 and a 200-yard
swim, 4-mile bike, 2-kilometer run for ages 11 through 15). All participants received custom finisher medals and prizes were awarded to the top finishers in each age group. Feedback from parents and kids was extremely positive. One parent commented that it was the most enjoyable kids’ triathlon they’ve ever been to. Race organizers plan to build on
the Tar Heel Youth Triathlon by adding at least one more race in 2014 to create a youth triathlon point series, similar to the North Carolina Triathlon Series for adults. Kids Tri NC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces triathlon clinics, camps and other programs for youth in North Carolina. Triangle Multisport provides coaching and personal training services to youth and adults.
NORTHEAST Patrick Cogan, a paratriathlete from the Northeast Region,
has completed just two triathlons. Diagnosed with Freidreich’s ataxia (FA), a disease that has caused nervous system damage and has resulted in diminished muscle coordination, Cogan is de- termined to challenge himself physically. In 2012, he embarked on a century ride with the support of his family, friends and coaches. Upon its completion, Cogan determined that a triath- lon was the next logical step in his athletic career. “I knew we had our work cut out for us,” Cogan commented
on his entrance into the sport. When he began, he did not know how to swim. This was further complicated as Cogan’s diagnosis
64 USA TRIATHLON WINTER 2014
of FA. “I would not be able to swim without a guide. My disease forces me to swim on my back with just minor to no kicking,” he said. “My guide is key in steering me through turns as well as being there just in case I have a spasm while in the water.” Cogan, despite the challenges he faces in training and racing,
has a phenomenal outlook on his participation in the sport. “My goal before each event is simply to finish. My goal and challenge isn’t to compete,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I race against myself, but ultimately I want that finish line.” On his journey into the sport, Cogan said, “It is as reward-
ing as difficult. My training has come with many falls, bumps, bruises and sprains.” As he looked to the future, he comment- ed that it’s tough because FA is progressive and that progres- sion could eventually end his ability to train. Cogan concluded, “Like any other challenge, (I’m taking it) one day at a time.”
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