In 2005, local family practitioner Dede Moore saw her goal come to fruition. She and her husband Pat Wickens, both fitness enthusiasts and triathletes, spent three years organizing the first Redondo Beach Triathlon, combining their knowledge and experiences from other competitions to put together an event that would benefit health, charity and community.
The following year, Rick Crump took over as race director. He and his wife Connie have run the event ever since. Yet Crump feels a little pressure going into this year’s 12th annual competition.
While Wickens has competed in the race is past years, Moore is returning to participate in the competition.
“I’m a little nervous,” said Crump, an accomplished triathlete and physical education teacher at Adams Middle School in Redondo Beach. “Dede is the founder and this race wouldn’t happen if not for her. I want to make her proud.”
Crump also acknowledged the many volunteers and younger generation of triathletes who have kept Moore’s dream alive.
“Being an educator, the cool part for me is to see people reach their goals, no matter how small,” Crump said. “Our triathlon is a great way to kick off the season and has encouraged people of so many age groups and skill levels to train and exercise.”
Crump is pleased to see younger athletes rise to the top. Last year’s male and female winners were 20-year-old Dillon Nobbs, who completed the course in 40 minutes, seven seconds; and Illi Gardner, 16, who finished at 46:43.
Registration is ongoing at Redondo Beach Triathlon. The triathlon begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, June 12 at the Veteran’s Park/Pier area in Redondo Beach. All of the proceeds go to Cheer for Children, a non-profit organization that gives seasonal parties and raises money for acutely ill children at Harbor UCLA Medical Center.
The scenic, USAT sanctioned event consists of a 1/2-mile swim, 6-mile bike, and a 2-mile run. Space is limited to the first 600 entries. A non-competitive mini-sprint (half the distances) is also scheduled.
Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each division and the top two relay teams. Sprint fees are $75 (ages 13-19 and 65 and older), $90 (ages 20-64), $125 (relay). Mini-sprint fees are $70 and $95 for the relay. Add $5 after May. 31. For more information, visit rbtriathlon.com.
