Dear 2021 Outdoorsman Triathletes,
Once again you have braved the raw elements of the Smoky Mountains to compete in the Nation’s Oldest Triathlon! As with most years, there is always something new to contend with. This year it was the continuing issue of the COVID virus and rain early in the week before the race plus the extraordinary effort of Cesar on the relay run leg! We all hope Cesar is recovering quickly to prepare for next year!
We owe much gratitude to our volunteers without which this race couldn’t be held: Chief Timer Sue Havens and timers Sue Dillery, Cesar Sica, and Marcos Cavallin; Course Safety people Ed Sharp, Madeline Wikstrom, Keith Havens, Dan Havens, Scott Dillery, Phil Pickett, Jim Ross, and Mike Robinson & Katy; Course Setup people Ed Sharp, Kade Havens, Lincoln Williams, and Karla Havens; Webmaster Joe Sharp, and Course Weed & kudzu Whackers Paul Wolf and Jim Hall. And thanks to the official photographers Kaitlyn Havens, Bonnie Havens, and Phil Pickett, and of course, the super helpful boat carriers!
Special thanks to our main Sponsors: The Outdoorsman Triathlon Charitable Trust, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Rolling Thunder River Company, Nantahala Village, Russ Callen, Dodge & Jo Carol Havens, Scott & Sue Dillery, and Phil & LInda Pickett. And, of course, it is always a special treat to have our Race Founders, Russ Callen and Payson Kennedy, show up. Russ completed his 46th individual Outdoorsman, an amazing feat, and check out 82-year-old Ed Sharp’s paddle time compared to the college teams! Hopefully Race Founder, John Burton, will be able to attend next year which will be the 47th running of the Outdoorsman Triathlon.