NYC Tri Considering Lottery

I've done the NYC Tri twice and several other Olympic triathlons. I was in contact with someone from the NYC Tri about the registration date, which is the same morning and only a few hours before the NYC Marathon, which I am also running. They told me they are considering how to accommodate that problem. However, in addition, they said they are considering making registration a lottery during which you can sign up over a 48 hour window.

I responded about my serious concerns for such a system. I implored them to visit BT where they will be able to get serious feedback about the race. I stated that the biggest problem with the race is the 25% of the race that are first-timers, which makes the race far less safe, particularly on the bike course. The NYC Tri is a major race and a difficult one, I think all athletes should be required to have at least done 1 sprint triathlon to ensure that they have some idea what they are doing. Also, if they make it a lottery, they need to consider adding qualifying times, just like the Boston and NYC Marathons. They can still have people get in through charity if they'd like.

If they end up shutting out hardcore NYC triathletes who have done the race for years in favor of newbies from anywhere, I think that's a disaster and they should hear the feedback.

I implore you all to write to the race at [email protected] and explain your opposition to a lottery and also insist that the race add some qualifications for safety purposes.