Gary Kirby Triathlon: History Behind the Race
Tuesday, February 27I began doing triathlons with my dad in 1999. We competed in 7-8 races a year, even creating a family challenge against each other. It kept us both in good shape and pushed each other to reach new goals. Between the races and the training, it also allowed us to spend some great time together.
Shortly, after a race in Pinehurst in 2002, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He still continued to race, doing 4 triathlons in 2003 while undergoing treatment. For the three years, he battled transitional cell carcinoma. My dad went home to Heaven on March 12, 2006, less than a month after he and I had begun laying out the plans for this new triathlon.
In my dads honor, a team of family and friends organized the inaugural Gary Kirby Triathlon for Cancer Research in the Bedford at Falls River neighborhood in Raleigh on June 3, 2006. The goal for the race was to raise money for the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center (www.cancer.duke.edu) for cancer research while introducing others to this great sport and challenging current triathletes to reach their goals.
The format for this Sprint Distance race includes a 300yd swim (12 lengths of the pool) followed by a 10 mile bike and 3 mile run through our Bedford neighborhood. This race is great for beginners and experienced triathletes alike.
Triathlons have been one of the fastest growing competitions in the past few years. Triathlons have great atmospheres with some of the most energetic and enthusiastic volunteers and fans cheering you onto the finish. Whether you race for your own fitness goals, personal best times, or just the accomplishment of saying, I am a triathlete, this race is your chance to do it.