On a crisp October morning in 2024, as the bustling streets of Chicago filled with marathon runners, a different kind of endurance celebration was unfolding on the West Coast. The Mission Bay Triathlon in San Diego, marking its 50th anniversary, offered a vivid tableau of the sport's evolution and its enduring appeal. This event, set against the backdrop of Mission Bay's saltwater and the historic Belmont Park, is more than just a race; it's a journey through the very genesis of triathlon.
Triathlon, a sport that intertwines the rigorous disciplines of swimming, biking, and running, was born from a desire to break the monotony of long-distance running. It was here, on San Diego's Fiesta Island, that the first modern-day triathlon took place in 1974, concocted by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan. With a modest entry fee of just $1, the race wasn't about financial gain but pure, unadulterated fun. Participants, some on old-fashioned beach cruisers, competed not under the harsh glare of today's commercial pressures but beneath the fading light of a setting sun, later celebrating their efforts with pizza—a humble yet profound beginning.
Fast forward to today, and the triathlon has morphed into a global phenomenon, even becoming an Olympic sport in 2000. Yet, despite its growth and the advent of high-tech gear and steep participation fees, the core of triathlon remains unchanged—it's a test of personal endurance and mental grit.
This year's race at Mission Bay was particularly special for me. Not just because of the milestone anniversary but because of the presence of my coach, Russ Jones, a pioneer of the sport. At 69, Jones chose to "race retro," swapping modern triathlon gear for gym shorts and a vintage Raleigh bike. His participation was a nod to the sport's simpler times and a reminder that the heart of triathlon beats strongest in the joy of participation, not just the pursuit of victory.
The contrast between the two races—the Chicago Marathon and the Mission Bay Triathlon—couldn't be more striking. In Chicago, runners surged through the urban heart of the city, flanked by skyscrapers and cheered on by massive crowds. In San Diego, triathletes embraced the natural elements, from the salty kiss of Mission Bay to the nostalgic echoes of the wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. The weather too played its part; the temperate climes of San Diego provided a gentle canvas for the triathletes, unlike the unpredictable swings often encountered in Chicago.
But beyond the physical and environmental contrasts lies a deeper connection. Both events are celebrations of human endurance and spirit. They draw participants who seek to push their limits, to discover what lies beyond the comfort of the known. Julie Moss, whose courageous crawl to the finish line at the 1982 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii remains one of the sport's most iconic moments, encapsulated this spirit at a commemorative dinner. Standing alongside her former competitor, Kathleen McCartney, Moss reflected on the transformative power of pushing through the toughest moments.
As for me, a knee injury may have slowed my pace, but it didn't dampen my spirits. Finishing 13th in my age group, it was my worst performance of the year statistically, yet perhaps the most memorable. It was a race that transcended time—a celebration of half a century of triathlon history, a tribute to its pioneers, and a personal journey through the sport's evolving landscape.
In the end, whether it's the streets of Chicago or the shores of San Diego, these races are more than competitions. They are gatherings of communities, of like-minded souls who find in these challenges a metaphor for life's greater struggles and joys. And as we look to the future, may we carry forward the legacy of those first triathletes—not just to race, but to celebrate the human spirit, one enduring step, pedal, or stroke at a time.
What anniversary was the Mission Bay Triathlon celebrating in October 2024?
The Mission Bay Triathlon was celebrating its 50th anniversary in October 2024.
How many competitors participated in the 2024 Mission Bay Triathlon?
More than 1,800 competitors participated in the 2024 Mission Bay Triathlon.
What were the unique features of the San Diego race compared to the Chicago Triathlon?
In the San Diego race, competitors swim in the saltwater of Mission Bay, bike past SeaWorld, and finish near Belmont Park's wooden roller coaster. The Chicago Triathlon has participants swim in the freshwater of Lake Michigan, bike past high-rises, and finish in Grant Park.
Who is Russ Jones in relation to the Mission Bay Triathlon?
Russ Jones is a pioneer of the sport, having won the second and third triathlons held in 1975 and 1976 at Mission Bay. In 2024, he participated in the event by "racing retro" using older equipment and attire.
What was the significance of the first modern-day triathlon held in 1974?
The first modern-day triathlon held in 1974 marked the beginning of the triathlon sport, starting with 46 participants. It was founded by Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan to combine three sports as an antidote to the monotony of long-distance running.
How has the triathlon sport evolved since its inception?
Since its inception, the triathlon has become an Olympic sport, with millions participating worldwide. It includes variations such as the Ironman triathlon, known for its rigorous 140.6-mile race.
#MissionBayTriathlon #TriathlonPioneers
Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/10/23/opinion-triathlon-san-diego-chicago-marathon/
