TBI Announces “Triathlete’s Choice” Event Finalists

Triathlon Business International (TBI) today revealed the finalists in six “Triathlete’s Choice” categories. More than 830 people nominated their favorite races and now it will come down to a final vote to declare a winner in each category. The six winners will be announced on Monday, Jan. 26 at the TBI Awards Celebration and Banquet. The evening will also feature awards for top retailers, innovative triathlon product, best published triathlon article, best published triathlon photograph, the Ron Smith Award winner and the Steve Hed presentation.

TBI is asking voters to look at each category (large, small, urban, scenic, tough and beginner) and consider whether the event: challenges, inspires or brings out the best in participants; provides what the category represents; goes beyond the “call of duty” when it comes to customer service; has great organization and information, advice, race day assistance, great volunteers; and/or; raises money for charitable causes. Each person will be limited to one vote per category.

The Finalists (In Alphabetical Order)

Best Large Race (1,000+ registrants)
1. Challenge Roth, Germany
2. Escape the Cape Triathlon, New Jersey
3. Ironman Lake Placid, NY
4. New Jersey State Triathlon, West Windsor
5. USA Triathlon National Championships – Milwaukee

Best Small Race (<1,000 registrants)
1. Beach Bum Triathlon, Hilton Head, SC
2. Central Florida Tri Series, Clermont, FL
3. Challenge/REV3 Florida, Venice, FL
4. Patriot Half, E. Freetown, MA
5. Portland Triathlon, OR
6. Pumpkinman, South Berwick, ME
7. Tri the Wildwoods, NJ

Toughest Race – Toughest Race
1. Black Bear Triathlon (Lehighton,PA)
2. Challenge/REV3 Quassy, CT
3. Ironman 70.3 St. George, UT
4. Michigan Titanium, Grand Rapids
5. SavageMan – Deep Creek Lake, MD

Best Urban Race
1. Garmin Barcelona Triathlon, Spain
2. ITU World Championship, Chicago
3. New York City Triathlon
4. Portland Triathlon, OR
5. USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships, Milwaukee

Best Race for Beginners
1. Beach Bum, Hilton Head, SC
2. Beijing International – Sprint distance, China
3. Grand Rapids Tri, Michigan
4. Pumpkinman, South Berwick, ME
5. Tri the Wildwoods, NJ
6. WIN for KC Triathlon, Kansas City, MO

Most Scenic Race
1. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, England
2. Challenge Atlantic City, NJ
3. Challenge REV3 Pocono Mtns, PA
4. Challenge Wanaka, New Zealand
5. Escape the Cape, Cape May, NJ

Vote here by Tuesday, Jan. 13.

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