The Journey of a Champion Race Director

Greg Hawkins didn't initially set out to revolutionize triathlon event management. His journey began 30 years ago as a high school cross-country runner, track athlete, lifeguard, and bicycle commuter who stumbled upon triathlon almost by accident.

"I competed in my first triathlon 30 years ago, won third place in my age group, and was hooked," Hawkins recalls. This initial spark led to years of competition throughout college, but it was his transition behind the scenes that would define his career.

The turning point came when Hawkins took a part-time job with a local triathlon production company. "I found that I enjoyed the process of putting on triathlons so much that I worked in triathlon production part-time for almost eight years until I quit my day job and launched the Virginia Triathlon Series," he explains.

This leap from part-time passion to full-time profession laid the foundation for Kinetic Multisports, his event management company that now organizes over 50 annual events across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, serving more than 200,000 athletes.

The Culpeper Success Story: More Than Just Numbers

The Culpeper Triathlon at Mountain Run Lake Park stands as the crown jewel of Hawkins' event portfolio, illustrating how community partnerships and natural beauty can create something magical.

When Hawkins launched the event in 2005 with support from the town of Culpeper, he had modest expectations. Instead, "We started with a sold-out crowd of 500 athletes that first year, and you couldn't get a hotel room for miles!"

Twenty years later, the event continues to draw athletes from across the region. The most recent race in July 2025 welcomed 288 triathletes to experience what Hawkins describes as the event's secret weapon: location.

"One of the things that makes the Culpeper Triathlon so special are the rolling hills and the pastoral farmland views with a Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop," Hawkins explains. "When you get a nice day with some fog over the meadows, it's magical!"

But the true magic lies in the community support that surrounds the event. This isn't just a race held in Culpeper—it's a community celebration that brings together local organizations in a shared mission.

What Sets Award-Winning Events Apart

Hawkins' approach to race directing goes far beyond logistics and timing chips. His philosophy centers on creating an environment where every athlete feels valued, regardless of their position in the field.

"We meet them where they are at and make sure they feel welcome, no matter if they are at the front of the race or the back," Hawkins emphasizes. "Many of our athletes may not look like athletes, but they get out there and grit it out until they cross the finish line where we get to celebrate with them."

This athlete-first philosophy extends to safety and accessibility—two hallmarks that earned Hawkins national recognition. As USA Triathlon noted in their award announcement, Hawkins is "a champion of safety, accessibility, and collegiate racing" who has played a key role in supporting emerging NCAA Women's Collegiate Triathlon programs and even directed the NCAA Collegiate Triathlon National Championships in Tempe.

The community atmosphere Hawkins creates has earned a unique description from participants and volunteers alike. "It feels a lot like Cheers in spandex!" he laughs, capturing the welcoming, everybody-knows-your-name feeling that permeates his events.

The Ripple Effect: Impact Beyond the Finish Line

What sets truly exceptional events apart is their ability to create transformation that extends far beyond race day. Hawkins has witnessed firsthand how triathlon participation can become a catalyst for positive life change.

"It's pretty cool, and they carry that spirit back into their everyday life and use it to overcome whatever challenges they are going through," he observes. "I'm grateful to play a small part in putting life into their lives!"

This transformation is supported by a robust network of community partnerships that make the Culpeper Triathlon possible. "The Sheriff's Department, Reva Fire, Parks & Rec, and the Eastern View Field Hockey Team all come together to support the event and make it run smoothly," Hawkins notes.

These partnerships represent more than just logistical support—they're investments in community health, tourism, and economic development. When 288 athletes and their families converge on Culpeper for race weekend, the ripple effects touch hotels, restaurants, and local businesses throughout the area.

Looking ahead, Hawkins shows no signs of slowing down. "I love what I do and the community of athletes we have built, so it's nice to get recognized at the national level," he says, adding that he plans to keep producing races "as long as he can."

Lessons for Event Organizers and Community Leaders

• Prioritize Experience Over Scale: The Culpeper Triathlon's success isn't measured by its size but by the quality of experience it provides. With 288 participants, it's intimate enough for personal attention while large enough to create energy and excitement.
• Leverage Natural Assets: The rolling hills, pastoral farmland, and Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop aren't just pretty scenery—they're core elements of the event's value proposition. Every community has unique natural or cultural assets that can differentiate their events.
• Build Genuine Partnerships: The collaboration between the Sheriff's Department, Reva Fire, Parks & Recreation, and even the Eastern View Field Hockey Team didn't happen overnight. These relationships require cultivation, mutual respect, and shared commitment to community benefit.
• Focus on Inclusivity: Hawkins' philosophy of meeting athletes "where they are at" has created a welcoming environment that keeps participants coming back year after year. This approach builds loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing that no advertising budget can match.
• Think Long-Term: Twenty years of consistent excellence in Culpeper has created a legacy that extends far beyond any single event. This long-term perspective allows for relationship building, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth.

The Path Forward: Sustaining Excellence in Community Events

As communities across the country look for ways to boost tourism, promote health and wellness, and create signature events, Hawkins' model offers a proven blueprint. The key lies not in copying what he's done in Culpeper, but in understanding the principles that make it work.

Location matters—but it's not just about natural beauty. It's about finding ways to showcase what makes your community unique and incorporating those elements into the event experience.

Community partnerships are essential—not just for logistical support, but for creating the sense of shared ownership that transforms an event from a commercial enterprise into a community celebration.

Athlete experience must be paramount—because in an age of endless entertainment options, people will only return to events that make them feel valued and inspired. Consider investing in quality triathlon gear to enhance participant comfort and performance.

Consistent quality builds reputation—and reputation, as Hawkins has proven, can lead to national recognition that elevates not just the event, but the entire community. For those serious about improving their triathlon performance, proper equipment like quality swim goggles and GPS training watches can make a significant difference.

The USA Triathlon Race Director of the Year award represents more than individual achievement—it validates the power of community-based events to create lasting impact. As Hawkins continues to welcome athletes to the rolling hills of Culpeper, his example lights the way for event organizers and community leaders everywhere who believe that extraordinary things can happen when passion meets purpose in small-town America.

For aspiring race directors and triathlon enthusiasts looking to enhance their training, consider exploring specialized swim care products and understanding race time limits to better prepare for events like the ones Hawkins organizes. Whether you're planning your first sprint triathlon or aiming for an Ironman distance, having the right preparation and equipment—including electrolyte supplements—can help you achieve your goals while supporting the vibrant triathlon community that leaders like Greg Hawkins have worked so hard to build.