Triathlon Legends Gather for 50th Anniversary Pre-Race Dinner in Mission Bay

October 10, 2024

Celebrating 50 Years of Triathlon, Featuring VIP Guests and a Special Relay Race to Honor the Sport's Rich History

San Diego, CA — October 12, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Xterra Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon Presented by Richard Duquette will host a special pre-race celebration dinner on October 12, 2024, at Mission Bay—honoring 50 years since the birth of triathlon. This historic event will bring together legends of the sport and triathlon enthusiasts for an evening of reflection, celebration, and inspiration as the sport looks ahead to the future.

Bob Babbitt, co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Competitor Magazine, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the dinner. Among the VIP guests attending are:

•  Julie Moss: Famous for her unforgettable ‘crawl of fame’ during the 1982 Ironman World Championship.
•  Kathleen McCartney: The 1982 Ironman World Champion, who crossed the finish line in one of triathlon’s most iconic moments.
•  Denise Mueller-Korenek: The world record holder for paced bicycle land speed at 183.932 mph.
•  Don Shanahan: Co-creator of the very first triathlon in 1974.
•  John Howard: A three-time Olympian and 1981 Ironman World Champion.
•  Cherie Gruenfeld: A 14-time Ironman World Champion.
•  Paul Martin: World record-holding athlete and two-time Paralympic medalist.
•  Mike Reilly: Known as ‘The Voice of Ironman.’
•  Greg Welch: 1990 ITU World Champion and 1994 Ironman World Champion.
•  Russ Jones: Winner of the second and third Fiesta Island Triathlons in 1975 and 1976.

(For the full list of special guests, visit the website.)

Special VIP Relay Teams Set to Race on Sunday!

Team 1:

•  Scott Endsley: A four-time National Champion and veteran of over 500 multisport events.
•  John Howard: The legendary three-time Olympian and 1981 Ironman World Champion.
•  Kathleen McCartney: Best known for her dramatic victory in the 1982 Ironman World Championship.
• Team Name: ‘There’s No Way They’re That Old!’

Team 2:

• Michael Andreasen (CAF Athlete): An accomplished athlete representing the Challenged Athletes Foundation, who is racing at Kona on October 26th with hopes of becoming the first person with dwarfism to finish the Ironman World Championship.
• Denise Mueller-Korenek: Known as the fastest cyclist on earth, holding the world record for paced bicycle land speed.
• In addition to these VIP relay teams, other legends attending the dinner and racing on Sunday include:
• Bob Babbitt: Co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, who has been a key figure in advancing the sport for decades.
• Cherie Gruenfeld: A 14-time Ironman World Champion and founder of the Exceeding Expectations program, helping at-risk youth through triathlon.
• Russ Jones: An early champion of the sport and winner of the second and third Fiesta Island Triathlons.
• Missy LeStrange: A highly accomplished triathlete known for her longevity and excellence in the sport.

The pre-race dinner will be held at Bonita Cove Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, alongside the race expo. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Life Sports Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster children, orphans, homeless youth, and challenged athletes.

Event Details:

•  Pre-Race Celebration Dinner: October 12, 2024
•  Location: Bonita Cove Park, Mission Bay
•  Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
•  Dinner Tickets: Available at www.missionbaytriathlon.com/prerace-50th-anniversary-dinner
•  Triathlon Date: October 13, 2024, with events for athletes ages 7 to 85

About KOZ Events

KOZ Events, led by Tobias and Carrie Ann Panek, is San Diego’s premier sports event management company, specializing in triathlons, running races, and cycling tours. With a focus on creating unforgettable athletic experiences, KOZ Events is committed to fostering community wellness and supporting athletes of all ages and abilities.

Contact:

Carrie Panek

KOZ Events

info@kozevents.com

www.KOZEvents.com