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Aug. 26, 2010
by Mary Sincell McEwen
Garrett County’s own Tri-To-Win SavageMan triathlon has garnered national attention this year via the editors of Triathlete magazine, who proclaimed in the March issue that the local triple event is the “No. 1 hardest triathlon in the world.”
The magazine was rating the 100 best races on earth, and not only was the local event named in that list, but it was placed at the top of the subcategory of “most difficult.” The 4th annual SavageMan Triathlon Festival will happen this year on Sept. 18 and 19, with two swimming-biking-running races (a “30.0” and a “70.0”) set for each day. The events begin and end at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
“This article, combined with broad word-of-mouth promotion, has led to higher athlete registration,” said Greg Safko, founder of the race, which is a major fundraiser for the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. “In fact, because of the SavageMan Triathlon Festival’s tremendous international popularity, both races will most certainly be sold out.”
He said this week that there are only about 20 slots remaining in both races and may be gone by press-time.
Because of the rapid sell-out and full rosters of athletes, as well as maintaining the current mark of excellence earned by previous events, Safko stressed the need to meet the expectations for a high quality event.
“This necessitates our recruitment of a significant, qualified volunteer base,” Safko said. To address this need, the organization created a volunteer coordinator position, now held by Dick Zimmerman.
Persons who wish to volunteer for the event are encouraged to contact Zimmerman at 240-405-4700, or by e-mail at: volunteers@savagemantri.org. Individuals are needed to man relief stations, help with traffic and safety areas, and work in other support roles. Each volunteer will be given a SavageMan T-shirt, cap, and an invitation to the after-party.
Safko also reported this week that six-time IronMan World Champion Dave Scott will be attending and competing in the Tri-To-Win SavageMan 70.0 Triathlon. Scott has attended the event since 2007 as a celebrity guest, signing all first-place awards for all the divisions, and being on hand to meet other athletes and autograph items. This year, however, the world-renowned athlete will actually be taking part in the event.
“This is big news, and we’re thrilled about it,” Safko said.
