General Information
Residents of the City of Elephant Butte and surrounding area are ready to once again host a great triathlon. Elephant Butte State Park is home to New Mexico's largest lake and centrally located along I-25 (150 miles south of Albuquerque and 150 miles north of El Paso). Temperatures in September are perfect for a triathlon - average highs are 85°F and water temperatures average 74°F. Visit the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce website for more information on the area.
The Elephant Man Triathlon is pleased to be
- on the Mountain Collegiate Triathlon Conference race schedule;
- host to the USAT Rocky Mountain Region annual membership meeting that will be held concurrently with pre-race dinner; and
- part of the Southwest Challenge Series.
Registration
On-line registration is available at active.com or you may mail a registration form and payment to HEROS, Inc., PO Box 492, Elephant Butte, NM 87935.
- Deadline for early registration is September 1, 2009 (on-line or postmarked mail).
- Deadline for registration is September 14, 2009 (on-line or postmarked mail).
- There will be NO late registration.
- Entry Fees:
- Before September 1, 2009
- Individuals with USAT membership: $75
- Relay teams with all members holding USAT membership: $125
- One-day USAT membership: add $10 for each person without USAT membership
- Late fee: add $10 to entry fee after September 1, 2009
- Before September 1, 2009
- Refunds (minus active.com fees) are only available until September 1, 2009.
- The field will be limited to 350 entries (individual participants plus relay teams).
- Relay teams may consist of two or three people.
- This is a USAT sanctioned event and USAT membership is required. Participants will be required to present their membership card along with a photo ID at packet pick-up and sign a USAT waiver. Participants without proof of membership must purchase a single event membership which will be available at packet pick-up.
Schedule
Saturday, September 26, 2009
- Packet pick-up at main entrance to Elephant Butte State Park and beach site (race headquarters) - 2pm to 5pm
- Race orientation at Elephant Butte Inn - 5pm
- Pre-race dinner and USAT Rocky Mountain Region membership meeting at Elephant Butte Inn - follows race orientation
Sunday, September 27, 2009
- Packet pick-up at race site from 6am - 7am
- Mandatory pre-race meeting - 7:30am
- First wave start - 8am
- Awards ceremony - 1:00pm
Course
Elephant Man Triathlon is an intermediate distance tri - perhaps the longest and most challenging course in the state. The course (see map) is scenic and one of the only times Elephant Butte Dam is open to the public.
The swim is a one mile loop in Elephant Butte Lake (water temperature averages 74°F; wet suits will be allowed if water temperature is 78°F or below).
The bike course (see map and elevation profile) will be hilly and challenging, but beautiful 26.5 mile loop that travels north through the city of Elephant Butte and along the perimeter of the lake before a climb up and out to the other side of I-25. It is a speedy return to the transition area.
The final leg is a six mile run (see map and elevation profile) that provides a unique opportunity to cross Elephant Butte Dam. Initial and final portions of the out and back run will be along graded trail just steps from the beach and campsites. There will be lots of opportunities for friends and family to cheer you on!
Timing
Chip timing will be provided by ChampionChip of the Rockies.
Awards
Awards will be presented to top three men and women overall, and top three finishers in each category.
Accommodations
The Elephant Butte Inn has reserved a block of rooms at a special rate for the triathlon. Call 575-744-5431 or visit their website for information and reservations.
Visit the Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce website or Google Maps for additional hotels in the area. Note Elephant Butte Inn is not shown in correct location on Google Map.
Camp sites are available just steps from the start/finish line. Contact Elephant Butte State Parks at 575-744-5421 or visit their website for information and reservations.
Results
Pictures
2007 Photo Gallery (opens as new web page)
Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to hosting a fun and safe triathlon! There would be no race without enthusiastic volunteers willing to donate their time and skills.
Why should you volunteer? You get
- a t-shirt,
- an opportunity to watch some great athletes,
- a chance to represent your community and show off your community spirit, and
- the satisfaction of knowing you helped provide a fun and safe race for the competitors.
What jobs are available for volunteers?
- Prior to Race Day
- Stuff Packets
- Race Headquarters: set-up under tent and check-in athletes
- Transition: set-up transition area (clear/sweep; fence; bike racks; mark entries, exits and "no-parking" areas)
- Swim: clear and mark path to transition area
- Bike: mark course and hazards
- Run: mark course
- Timer: assist timer with set up
- On Race Day
- Race Headquarters: check-in athletes; body marking; food and drinks; assist organizers and athletes
- Transition: bike/helmet/athlete check-in; direct/monitor athletes, spectators and traffic
- Swim: water craft (boats, jet skis, canoes/kayaks); counters; aid station
- Bike: monitor/direct riders; aid stations; motorcyclists to escort lead riders, haul officials and clear course; assist vehicle
- Run: monitor/direct runners; aid stations; bicyclist to escort lead runners and clear course
- Timer: back-up timers, chip removers at finish line
- Clean-Up: all areas and courses
Maps
Important Locations for Elephant Man Triathlon
Swim - Bike - Run Course
City of Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte State Park
Contact Info
For more information contact Kori by email (koriATvalornetDOTcom) or phone (575-744-0055).
Notes from the Race Director
Comments from Kori are coming soon.