Category: Races

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An update on the 2019 Auburn Triathlon

Hello Auburn Triathletes,

Most of you are aware that we partnered last year for the 2018 Auburn Triathlon, but the partnership has since been dissolved so Tahoe Peak Endurance is now once again the sole race promoter.

Tahoe Peak Endurance (AKA Colleen and Joe), want to inform you that due to changes in our current work responsibilities we will be unable to promote the event and will be taking a hiatus for 2019 season. Joe and Colleen love the Auburn Triathlon, so this has been a very hard decision to make. We became the promoters of this grass roots event to try to keep it alive among all the Branded events and hundreds of other triathlons that are put on in the Northern California area.

If there is anyone out there who has the same passion for the Auburn Triathlon as we do and would like to “Save the Tri” please do not hesitate to contact us.

We apologize to those who count on this race every year to see how tough they are and we understand it might disrupt the momentum of an annual event, but sometimes hard decisions are the right decisions.

We appreciate everyone who has participated from those who did it only once and clicked it off their bucket list to those who counted on seeing if they were still Tough Enough year after year.

Joe and Colleen wish you luck in training for the 2019 triathlon season and of course wish you luck in any other triathlons or races you may participate in.

We will keep you posted on our future plans.

Colleen and Joe

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Testimonials

Justin Smith, Overall Winner of the 2014 World’s Toughest Half

“This truly is one of my all-time favorite races. The venue is world class, the aid is awesome, and the great vibe of the announcing and organizers is incredible. Keep up the great work and see you again next year!“

Mike Scott

“I thought you ran a great event yesterday. I was a first-timer on your Aquabike and it certainly lived up to its billing; it was tough. I appreciated all the volunteers on the course with the directions and support at the water stations. They were all enthusiastic, supportive, and informative, so please say ‘thanks’ for me again. My daughters were impressed with the finisher’s medal, so maybe that will translate into them joining me in one of the events next year. Just wanted to pass along my thanks, and appreciation for a nicely organized event.”

Taylor Hockett, Winner of the Mini Triathlon

“Right on! Thank you! I really did have fun at your event. I thought it was well marked and something I will do again…..the mini is a perfect fun little race. I know there were issues about the course “not being marked” really…it’s up to the athletes. Well, thanks again!“

Jonathon T Meek

“Was my first half iron and wanted to pick a tough race to help prep for IMLT. Bike course was tough, run course was tougher! couldn’t beat the scenery and CAN’T WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR! Thanks for putting on a great, well managed race with awesome volunteers. Need to spread the word and get more folks to ‘suck it up’ for this one!

Brynda Searing

“Great event, challenging, fun & well ran.”

Rudy Dressendorfer

“Kudos, compliments, and praises to Colleen, Joe, Anne, Chris, Brad, the volunteers, and all others involved for putting on a “textbook” example of how to run a successful triathlon event with a complex course design!”

Chris Cloyd, 2nd place International

“I was super excited to keep up the momentum with a podium finish alongside some GREAT competition at the Auburn Triathlon this past weekend.”

Susannah Breen Womens World’s Toughest Half winner

“Thanks for putting on a great race!”

Teri DeCocq

“Tough enough? Oh yeah! You did an incredible job of running a challenging race. The support was as awesome as it was tough. The run aid stations were especially excellent, staffed by wonderful volunteers with great positive attitudes. Well done!”

Lauren Vigilotti

“My only complaint is not getting a shirt both times I’ve completed the race after being an early registrant. Everything else about this event is top-notch, from support to volunteers to a fabulous run! Thanks for a great day. I will be back for #3, but I want a shirt next time!”

Patrick Smith

“I can’t say I have anything to compare to since this was my first tri, but others were commenting on this being a very tough course compared to past years. As a first timer, a top 10 placing in such a challenging race was absolutely mind blowing. Goes to show what can be accomplished with focus and determination.”

Johan Schimmel

“After 3 long courses, I chose the ‘easier’ International distance, for which you, too, need to be tough. Great organization and volunteers (and course).”

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Auburn is a fitting place for the “World’s Toughest Half”

It makes sense that in Auburn, CA, the place that proclaims itself as the Endurance Capital of the World, you would name your triathlon, The World’s Toughest Half.  At least that is what Brad Kearns, a former world-class professional triathlete and resident of Auburn, thought when he started the Auburn Triathlon twelve years ago in the town famous for being the finish of the Tevis Cup 100 mile horse race and one of the toughest long distance running races in America, the Western States 100, both of which travel from Squaw Valley to Auburn.  The World’s Toughest Half is a half-Ironman distance event.  The competitors swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles.  With the Sierra foothills steep hills and rugged trails it is billed as one of the toughest courses in the world.

Brad Kearns originated the Auburn Triathlon after spending nine years as a pro triathlete. After moving to Auburn it didn’t take him long to decide that it was the best place in the world to train for triathlon. What Brad found in Auburn was lovely rural countryside for the ride, beautiful American River Canyon views and steep drops for the run, and a quiet cove at Folsom Lake for the swim; the makings of a great triathlon. Since Auburn didn’t have a triathlon of its own, Brad decided to start one.  in 2012, Auburn Triathlon changed hands to Colleen Conners-Pace and Joe Pace both of Tahoe Peak Endurance, LLC.

Colleen Conners-Pace and Joe Pace  will be going on their second year as Race Directors of the Auburn Triathlon.  Colleen, a lifelong Sierra resident, and Joe bring to the Auburn Triathlon years of endurance experience, not only from having participated several times in the World’s Toughest Half,  competing in XTERRA and Ironman triathlons to ultra distance running events.   In 1980, Colleen completed the Western States 100, ending her very long day with a run across the infamous “No Hands Bridge” that crosses the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American  River, depicted in their new logo design for the triathlon (created by Colleen’s nephew,  Ty Conners).  33 years later, Colleen attempted the Western States 100 again, finishing 78 of the 100 miles after having knee surgery the previous March.  Joe competed in the Inaugural Ironman Lake Tahoe, finishing 10th in his age group.   Joe and Colleen, having passion for competing in challenging events, will look at the triathlon through the eyes of competitors.

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