trail wrote:
B.McMaster wrote:
Take those 4 facts and any expensive hobby should will do well.
Except that logic doesn't quite work. The economic bull run started in 2009, and triathlon's decline has accelerated over the last couple years of that run. I don't see how there's some magic threshold where it starts growing again. There could be. I just don't see it.
I tend to think the trends are cultural, not economic. Marathon running is also down, and running is cheap.
I do agree with the article that triathlon needs to rediscover its grassroots origins.
What has been weird to me is the "big deal, and expensive" trend that triathlons have taken the last 10 years....When I started in 1985 it was a local group (a running club, a church, a local civic group) putting on a 3 sport challenge called a "triathalon". It was lower key and getting 150-180 finishers was seen as a solid field and the local group that put on the race saw those numbers plenty to keep putting the event on that showcased their small town.. The cost of the event was relatively lower because they didn't try to be a "big deal" race, just a local cool challenge that people sought out. We would serve our selves by getting back to this in some events and supporting those races.
I have purposely stayed away form our local big deal Triathlon that is an expensive hassle (even though I can easily afford them) and signed up for races like the local Hopkins Royal Triathlon that is less expensive but put on by a local group that does a great job. Lake Minnetonka Triathlon is another good example that does well.
I love rolling out of bed, driving less than an hour to the sprint triathlon, parking 100 yards from the Transition zone, racing and getting home by noon....Love it!