participation in triathlons for 08 / 09..looking for info

I don't have any hard evidence to offer but I can offer a personal view.  It has seemed to me that since the economy has started to take a slide, people have become more aware and involved in their personal health.  I have noticed bike rides and tri races selling out quicker than in previous years and an increased interest in getting/staying fit.  Just my $.02

Check the latest USAT mag.  (I just got my first one yesterday)  I glanced over an article that said a tri site (not this one) did a census, since one hadnt been done since 2000 and showed its growth.  Sorry I dont remember the figures.  Ill check tonight if no one else posts it.

if you can find the link and post it here i would appreciate it.  that would be great.

This may be the recent article cited, concerned with demographics of triathlon, but not just (or so much) what you were looking for Stuff like this:

Average income: $126,000

88.2% are Caucasian/White

i have read this one before.

i would love to see mainly how the economy will impact the increase of triathlon participation.  NPR had a story that there is many more people entering running competions and much more people are training.  but i would like to have solid proof. 

i want to show something to my managers, possibly enter the market. 

One good indictator would be increased memberships to USAT, Asking the various tri coaching sites if they are seeing more clients, asking the tri shops if they are seeing better sales and lastly try contacting active to see if they are showing an increased rate of people signing up for tris and/or additional races being added...

I know NBC has done more coverage of various races this year so I bet they have some stats they are going by...

Also what about BT/  How many people are on this site now compared to last year?