While we hosted a few events since Covid started, New River Splash, held May 22, felt like our grand re-opening. It finally felt like we were getting back to doing what we do. New River Splash isn’t our largest event in terms of numbers but it is our largest event in terms of scope.
New River Splash featured a triathlon option (swim, bike, run), a duathlon option (bike and run), and a 5K option, along with a small festival. When you have a 400-meter swim, a 13 miles bike course and a 5K course, it takes lots of volunteers and lots of coordination.
We had to coordinate with NCDOT, the Jacksonville Police Department, Jacksonville Recreation and Parks, Atlantic Coast Timing, vendors, sponsors, and all of the volunteers (we were seeking 70 volunteers). These groups were all fantastic to work with and we can’t thank them enough for their assistance.
Triathlons aren’t plentiful, especially in our area, so this event attracted people from hours away, which is our goal and our mission. The percentages of the participants broke down as follows:
11% were from 1-2 hours away
14% were from 2-3 hours away
10% were from 4+ hours away
That’s 35% of the people coming to spend money here and see our community, many for the first time ever. We think this event really has a chance to continue to grow and become a featured event for our area. If you missed it this year, make plans to attend on May 21, 2022.
-Scott Smith, Executive Director
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