It could be a number of things: money, lack of time to train, even the war in Iraq. For whatever reason, entries in tomorrow's 19th Tinman Biathlon are down. Entries for Tinman
Biathlon downBy Cindy Luis
cluis@starbulletin.comWay down, by more than 40 percent.
"We usually get a lot of military competing, but the entries aren't there this year," said race director Olga Caldwell. "We can always say it's the war, but I know there are other reasons. Entries are down, too, for the Tamanaha (15K) Sunday.
"A number of people flew over for this in the past and they aren't coming this time. The biathlon has always been small, compared to the Tinman (Triathlon). But this is a very easy race and a good one for people who want to try a dual event. It all started because we wanted to help people kick-start their training for the Tinman Triathlon."
The event is comprised of a 2.7-mile run that circles Ala Moana Park and Magic Island and an 800-meter swim off Ala Moana Beach.
Caldwell said some 120 entries had been received by the March 19 deadline. Last year's field had about 230 entrants and 181 finishers, with Peter Hursty and Deirdre Tennant both successfully defending their respective men's and women's titles.
The 23rd Tinman Triathlon is scheduled for July 13. The field is limited to 1,200 participants, and Caldwell expects the race to be sold out.
The Tinman biathlon and triathlon are nonprofit events battling higher costs every year. Entry fees cover race expenses and "that's about it," said Caldwell. "Many races make you get a one-day Tri-Fed membership, but we have always covered the insurance for the race.
"We just have liability insurance, not medical. It's gone up to $3,600 for both races. It used to be $2,000. If we added medical, it probably would be double the $3,600 and we couldn't afford that right now."
One other concern is a lawsuit currently in a Hawaii court that would force both Tinman races to become compliant with the federally mandated Americans with Disabilities Act. Currently, neither race has a specified handicap division, although race officials have said they would make the events ADA-compliant if physically challenged athletes wanted to compete.
Last year, one disabled athlete sent in an entry application for the triathlon. However, after officials made arrangements to accommodate the individual on the course, he did not show up on race day.
Note: Late entries for individuals and two-person teams will be accepted prior to tomorrow's 6:30 a.m. race start. Registration will be held near the Diamond Head concession stands, near the starting line for the run. The late fee is $30. Competitors must be at least 15 years of age as of tomorrow.
Tinman Biathlon