Race Director of the Year

The race director of the year is presented to the individual who has “taken a major responsibility in the production of quality events.” This year’s recipient has certainly fulfilled this criterion.

This race director produces an event that has become notable in several regards.

By my calculations it involves staffing a race course that involves more miles that don’t repeat themselves than any other race in Tallahassee. (Sit down Jack I am not talking about the marathon.)

This year’s director of the year started and has directed the same event every year it has been in existence.

The race brings a higher percentage of out of town contestants than any other race.

It is one of the few races that meets its registration goals before race day.

This race has its own website. It was the first race in Tallahassee to use online registration.

It was the first and only race so far to use chip timing.

All this has been achieved in just 5 short years.

The race itself has countless organizational challenges to overcome than most.

This race requires a lot of volunteers. The race has always encouraged new participants, holding “newbie” classes leading up to the race for several years.

The Race Director can cajole, influence, beg and plead, leading to significant sponsorships. It has always made a profit. It has also given a significant percentage of the profits away.

This race has been able to obtain more police support than most races.

In addition to all of this, this race director has been able to charge a higher entry fee than any other race in town. However most participants believe that the entry fee is a very good value for what they receive. The post race party and drawings of donated merchandise are eagerly anticipated by racers and participants.

It is my privilege to present Kathy Mcdaris the 2005 Race Director of the year award for her efforts in making the Red Hills triathlon the quality event that it is.