Organizing a triathlon

The above is just a start ... but also add in there the timing system, traffic control, transition area bike racks, swim course bouys - and the list goes on. The sheer logistics of setting these up appears to be daunting, that is why races often state how many previous races the director has organized.

You might try going to Active.com and hit the "contact" button to reach a race director for an event near your home town ... then volunteer to help with that event. You can then learn the ropes (and pitfalls) from the inside and apply that knowledge to your own event.

Who knows, the race director might go in partnership to help establish the race in Frisco - or at least allow you to borrow/rent his equipment.

Good luck and post back your progress ... it would be cool to get a glimpse of the pitfalls of staging these things.

PS: As far as permits and so forth, try going to the economic development office of the municipality w/jurisdiction - and they will help you navigate the bureaucratic waters of dealing with the City.

Good info and ideas, I hadn't thought about all of the logistics involved. I guess it WOULD be a good idea to learn a little more before I dive in head first. It usually works out for me, but I would hate to setup something that would suck.

Interesting question. I've thought about the same thing. It just occured to me that maybe hooking up with an established charity group might be a good approach. They'd be experienced in organizing big events, and would already have tons of contacts with sponsors and volunteers.