Tag Archive for: High Five Events

Meet Your 2019 Kerrville Tri Ambassadors

Our 2019 Kerrville Ambassadors are experts on all things Kerrville Tri! 

Who better than to ask for race advice than an experienced Kerrville triathlete? Feel free to get to know the 2019 Kerrville Tri Ambassadors to ask any and all questions you may have about the 2019 Smokin’ Good Tri! Plus, if you’re new to triathlon, seeing a familiar face on race morning will help ease some of your nerves!

Michelle Bonathan

2019 KTF Ambassador

Michelle Bonathan – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

In addition to being a triathlete I am a dog mom of two, and wife to an ultra runner. I love being a Kerrville Tri Ambassador because it gives me a platform to talk to athletes of all ages, distances, and speeds. I was not an athlete growing up and thought the idea of triathlons was ridiculous, but when I finished my first race (on a dare!) the sport immediately found a special place in my heart. The Kerrville Tri Festival is amazing because you get to see athletes out for the long haul doing the half, speedsters flying by, and the smile of a triathlete at their first finish line all at the same race. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram

Annette Kobus

2019 KTF Ambassador

Annette Kobus – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I’ve always loved the venue and it’s always on my birthday weekend! I’ve raced the Sprint and Quarter distances and when I wasn’t racing, I volunteer every year for this race. The past couple of years I have not raced because of bone-on-bone arthritis, but this year I’m sporting total knee replacements. I’m planning to again race the Sprint (yay Annette!) and of course, I’ll volunteer on Sunday for the Half. When my knees are more stable, I really want my first Half to be at Kerrville! Connect with her on Facebook

 

Susan Oyler

2019 KTF Ambassador

Susan Oyler – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I’m a military wife, mother, engineer and age-group triathlete. I am a natural team builder and love being part of the Kerrville Triathlon team and getting to connect with other triathletes. 2018 was the first time I participated in the Kerrville Triathlon Festival and I was HOOKED!  It is a top-notch event! This race has everything a triathlete wants in a race: a gorgeous venue and a challenging course! Connect with her on Instagram

 

 

Barbara Bussey

2019 KTF Ambassador

Barbara Bussey – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I began my running/tri career just trying to get an “A” in my PE class in nursing school.  Luckily for me, the exercise stuck (and yes, I got the “A”). That was back in 2000, since then I have run 12-15 half marathons, more 10Ks than I can count completed an unknown number of sprint/super-sprint tris and this September, I will complete my 2nd 70.3 in Kerrville.

Running and triathlon feels like freedom to me.  Freedom from worries, freedom to truly enjoy the outdoors, freedom to challenge myself to be better.  Exercise has also brought me closer to my daughter, she seems to have caught the same bug I did all those years ago, and now we challenge each other to reach greater achievements than we thought possible.  On the days when I really just do not feel it, I remember a saying I heard once: the longest distance in running, is the six inches in between your ears! I know that anyone can master those six inches, one stride or tri at a time!

Cat Adkins

2019 KTF Ambassador

Cat Adkins – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

5 years ago, I decided to give triathlon a try. I’d only participated in about 5 triathlons before Kerrville but it quickly became my favorite. I fell in love with the triathlon community that weekend. It was wonderful knowing that everyone you passed was there for the same reason. It’s hard to not make friends quickly when you spend a weekend with people you have so much in common with. 5 years later, all the people I met are close friends and the circle just keeps growing. I have since bullied dozens of athletes to do their 1st tri with me. It’s hard for people to tell me they’re intimidated to do something that I’m capable of. I eat too much, drink too much, and party too hard, so people usually think, “If this mess can do it, certainly I can too!” What can I say? I’m inspiring. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram

Kristen Farwell

2019 KTF Ambassador

Kristen Farwell – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I am relatively new to triathlon, just finishing my third season. Until this past year, I had only done Sprints and Kerrville 2018 was my first Olympic. It’s my second year racing the event and I can’t express how much I love this event. From beginning to end, the event is well organized, well supported and on the day of, executed flawlessly. It’s my favorite course and already have my hotel reservation for 2019. I would love to help share the love, especially for those who might be new and intimidated by an unfamiliar or out-of-town race. I pride myself on being outgoing and helpful. Connect with her on Instagram

Mary McDonald

2019 KTF Ambassador

Mary McDonald – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I’ve raced triathlons both big and small all over the USA for many years and love that the Kerrville Tri is right here in Texas! I love being an ambassador for the Kerrville Tri because it is a race with personality! Race distances for everyone and a fun old school atmosphere. And the fun doesn’t stop after you cross the finish line! Cool off by floating down the river and enjoying the after-party! Connect with her on Twitter or Instagram 

 

 

Mark Schnur

2019 KTF Ambassador

Mark Schnur – Kerrville Tri Ambassador

I love the Kerrville Tri because it is part of a fun weekend in Kerrville, held on a scenic course, close to where I live in San Antonio, and is so well supported by the community! I am a great ambassador because I have over 30 years of experience in racing triathlons (since 1987), and I have coached and trained with many successful triathletes and because I love the Kerrville Tri. Connect with him on Instagram

 

 

 

Reach out to your 2019 Smokin’ Good Tri Ambassadors for any questions you have before race day! Also, get some insider info to help you decide which distance is perfect for you to complete Kerrville Tri with us on September 28th and 29th! 

Kerrville Triathlon Festival to Provide Custom Floats

Agreement will provide participants with custom floats to recover in the Guadalupe River

Kerrville Triathlon Festival and Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide all participants with custom-designed floats so they can relax and recover in the Guadalupe River. This is in addition to working together to produce the Kerrville Triathlon and accommodate the influx of triathletes and their friends and family. The 9th annual Kerrville Triathlon will take place on September 27-29, in Kerrville, Texas. 

“The Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to partner and sponsor the Kerrville Triathlon floats for participants this year,” said Charlie McIlvain, President & CEO Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “There’s no better way to enjoy your time in Kerrville than relaxing in the Guadalupe River, especially after a long day of competing!”

For years, Kerrville Tri participants have jumped into the Guadalupe River’s spring-fed waters after crossing the finish line. For the past several years, the event has provided communal floats which proved to be very popular. Now everyone will be able to float and relax in the Guadalupe River on their own personal floats. Participants will receive their commemorative float with their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo and Packet Pickup. The run course and finish are in Lousie Hays Park, next to the Guadalupe River. The swim takes place in Nimitz Lake, a dammed portion of the Guadalupe River.

Recover in the river in your #SmokinGoodTri float

“Participants love that the Kerrville Tri course incorporates so much of the Guadalupe River, even after they cross the finish line,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We can’t wait for participants to use their commemorative floats once they finish their event.”

Athletes will receive a belt buckle finisher’s medal, customized shirt, commemorative hat, and a custom float. They’ll get a reusable custom water bottle, personalized race bib, and swim cap. Once they cross the finish line, triathletes can enjoy a post-race meal including fajitas and tacos from H-E-B, fruit, snacks, beer garden, and an opportunity to float in the Guadalupe River. Professional timing and photography, a great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival will showcase why the Kerrville Triathlon is one of the best triathlons in Texas. 

The Kerrville Triathlon Expo and Packet Pickup will take place on September 27-28. The expo is at Inn of the Hills, the host hotel. The expo and packet pickup will be open on Friday, September 27th from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Saturday, September 28th, hours are 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The expo is free and open to the public. The Debra Zapata Sprint distance, sprint relay, sprint aquabike, and kids fun run take place on Saturday, Sept. 28th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all happen on Sunday, Sept. 29th. Registration is available on the website.

Registration is Open for 2019 Kerrville Triathlon Festival

Registration is open for the 2019 Kerrville Triathlon Festival as of Friday, February 1st. The 9th annual Kerrville Triathlon weekend will take place September 27-29, in Kerrville, Texas. Last year, more than 1400 triathletes competed in eight different events. They included a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course through the Texas Hill Country, and run course along the Guadalupe River. All participants who register on Opening Day will automatically receive an additional $5 off.

“The Kerrville Triathlon continues to grow, exposing more triathletes to the Most Scenic Triathlon in Texas and the welcoming City of Kerrville,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We look forward to another banner year while showcasing the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.”

Opening Day Best Pricing

The Opening Day Best Pricing structure for all events follows: Debra Zapata Sprint ($80), sprint aquabike ($80), sprint relay ($140), quarter ($130), quarter aquabike ($130), half ($200), half aquabike ($200), half relay ($260), kids fun run (free), Virtual Kerrville Triathlon, which can be associated with any distance ($45). After Friday, Feb. 1st, all prices will increase by $5.

Participants of the 2019 Kerrville Triathlon Festival will receive a belt buckle finisher’s medal, customized shirts, reusable custom water bottles, personalized race bibs, swim caps, a post-race meal including fajitas and tacos from H-E-B, fruit, snacks, beer and an opportunity to float in the Guadalupe River. Professional timing and photography, a great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival will showcase why the Kerrville Triathlon is one of the best triathlons in Texas.

The Debra Zapata Sprint distance, sprint relay, and kids fun run take place on Saturday, Sept. 29th. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all happen on Sunday, Sept. 30th. Participants can pick up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo and Packet Pickup at the host hotel, Inn of the Hills. The expo and packet pickup, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, Sept. 27th, and Saturday, Sept. 28th. Participants can see the pricing structure and register on the website.

Highlight on Volunteers: Terra Balentine

In case you need it, Terra Balentine brings extra energy and enthusiasm when she volunteers

Terra Balentine is an amazing volunteer!

Terra takes volunteering to the next level!

The latest winner of the High Five Events‘ Volunteer “Nomination Contest” is Terra Balentine. Her contagious energy positively affects everyone! Terra was nominated by her fellow volunteer Nancy Edmonds. Edmonds describes Terra as a “very giving person.” Nancy, along with many others, recognizes Terra’s dedication. At the young age of 12, Terra has no problem getting up before the sun rises and traveling to races with her dad (James Balentine with City Limit Cycles). From volunteers check-in to transition and break down, Terra is always willing to help. She volunteered at every Texas Tri Series event during 2018 and has never missed a Rookie Tri in her life!

We had the chance to ask some questions to Terra so we did. Terra told us that she enjoys volunteering because she likes being at the races where she can interact with athletes and watch them succeed. The Kerrville Triathlon Festival is one of her favorite events to volunteer for because it lasts several days and takes place in the Texas Hill Country. Additionally, Terra made her debut as Buck, the Kerrville Tri mascot this year, which is one of her favorite memories while volunteering.
Terra also shared some tips for other volunteers. Her tips: drink plenty of water, reapplying sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. However, the most important thing for her is to HAVE FUN!

The High Five Events’ “Nomination Contest” features volunteers who go above and beyond at one of our events. These phenomenal volunteers help us produce successful, safe, and fun events for athletes, volunteers, and staff. Know an outstanding volunteer? Fill out this short form and nominate them today!

Texas Hill Country Shines During Kerrville Triathlon Festival

Participants crossed the Kerrville Triathlon Festival’s finish line, then celebrated at the finish line festival

More than 1000 participants flocked to Kerrville, Texas, to participate in the 8th Annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival. The most scenic triathlon in Texas featured two days of action, plus a two-day expo. Participants gave their all on a course highlighted by swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the Texas Hill Country, and running along the Guadalupe River. After their accomplishments, participants were treated to fajitas, cold beer, snacks, and an opportunity to recover in the refreshing waters of the Guadalupe River.

“I really enjoyed coming back to Kerrville for this race weekend,” said Tony Aventa, who completed the Debra Zapata Sprint on Saturday. “This year was particularly fun with the run through the park. Great job to High Five Events for coordinating such a smooth race!”

From spectating to the Kids Fun Run, Kerrville Tri is perfect for the whole family

The family-friendly Kerrville Triathlon Festival took place from Friday, September 28, to Sunday, September 30. It featured eight different events, including sprint, quarter, half, aquabike, relays, and a kids fun run. The Debra Zapata Sprint distance, sprint relay, and kids fun run took place on Saturday. All other events, including the quarter and the half, took place on Sunday. Before the action began, participants, volunteers, and friends and family went to the ROKA Happy Hour. The happy hour and the expo and packet pick up were held at Inn of the Hills, the host hotel.

“Kerrville Triathlon Festival is one of my favorite races of the season,” said Karen Moser, who completed the Debra Zapata Sprint on Saturday. “The courses are amazing, the support is top-notch, and I love the family atmosphere, especially when my daughters cross the finish line with me!”

Peter Murray (1:03:16), of McGregor, Texas, won Saturday’s sprint event. Andrea Fisher (1:10:14), of Austin, Texas, won the female division. Sunday’s winners and their times follow: quarter – female winner, Haley Koop (2:23:17), male winner, Mark Saroni (2:02:52); half – female winner, Rebecca Marrou (4:54:31), male winner, Todd Gerlach (4:45:09). Results for Saturday and Sunday are available.

Kerrville Tri – the most scenic triathlon in Texas

“The Kerrville Triathlon was such a great and memorable experience for my first successful 70.3,” said Ron Ledesma. “The High Five Events’ staff and volunteers were a huge part of making it so memorable for both triathletes and spectators. The race was very well organized from the expo to the festival area, including availability of support, aid, and facilities.’

Athletes received custom-designed shirts and water bottles, ROKA swim caps, beer, belt buckle finisher’s medal, a post-race meal including fajitas tacos from H-E-B, fruit, snacks, and an opportunity to float in the Guadalupe River. Professional timing and photography, a great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival demonstrated why the Kerrville Triathlon is one of the best triathlons in Texas. Photos can be found on the Kerrville Triathlon Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds in addition to the website.

The Kerrville Triathlon would like to thank sponsors H-E-B, ROKA, Clif Bar, City Limit Cycles, the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Peterson Health, Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg, Ben Phillips, Real Estate Advisor for Engel and Volkers Austin, SPIbelt, Peak Fitness, MO-RANCH, Hill Country Bicycle Works, Grape Juice, RunLab Austin, and Gatorade.

Kerrville Triathlon Ready to Showcase the Texas Hill Country

Triathletes from 15 different states prepare for Kerrville Triathlon, the most scenic triathlon in Texas

High Five Events concludes their 2018 triathlon season with the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30, in Kerrville, Texas. More than 1300 athletes will participate in this beloved Hill Country event. Entering its eighth year, Kerrville Tri is rapidly becoming known for featuring the most scenic triathlon course in Texas.

Triathletes will participate on a course highlighted by swimming in Nimitz Lake, cycling through the Texas Hill Country, and running along the Guadalupe River. After crossing the finish line, participants can grab an inner tube provided by the event and float in the cool waters of the Guadalupe River. Before the action begins, participants and their friends and family are invited to the ROKA Happy Hour. This gathering will take place on Friday, Sept. 28th, from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 at the Inn of the Hills bar.

“People are buzzing about the 8th Annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival because it combines triathlon distances for everyone, the City of Kerrville’s hospitality, and the beauty of the Texas Hill Country,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “We’re just as excited as the City of Kerrville to host triathletes from 15 different states and see the continued growth of this event.”

Swim, bike, run in the Texas Hill Country

The Kerrville Triathlon Festival will feature the Debra Zapata Sprint distance, sprint relay, and free Kids Fun Run on Saturday. Quarter distance, quarter aquabike, half distance, half aquabike, and half relay will all take place on Sunday. The sprint will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The half will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Triathletes who would like to participate but are unable to travel to Kerrville can register for the virtual Kerrville Triathlon.

Participants can pick up their packet at the Kerrville Triathlon Expo and Packet Pickup. That will take place at the host hotel, Inn of the Hills. The expo and packet pickup, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Friday, Sept. 28th, and Saturday, Sept. 29th. Registration for all distances is still open for the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. Volunteer positions are available as well.

Athletes will receive custom-designed shirts and trucker hats, water bottles, ROKA swim caps, beer, belt buckle finisher’s medal, a post-race meal including fajitas and tacos from H-E-B, fruit, snacks, and an opportunity to float in the Guadalupe River. Professional timing and photography, a great volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival will showcase why the Kerrville Triathlon is one of the best triathlons in Texas.

The Kerrville Triathlon would like to thank sponsors H-E-B, ROKA, Clif Bar, City Limit Cycles, the City of Kerrville, Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Peterson Health, Jack and Adam’s Fredericksburg, Ben Phillips, Real Estate Advisor for Engel and Volkers Austin, SPIbelt, Peak Fitness, MO-RANCH, Hill Country Bicycle Works, Grape Juice, RunLab Austin, and Gatorade.

Highlight on Volunteers: Camille Baptiste

Camille Baptiste provides as much energy volunteering as she does racing

This month’s winner of the High Five Events‘ “Nomination Contest” is Camille Baptiste. She was nominated by her husband Woody. He says that if Camille is not racing, she is usually volunteering. Baptiste is known for putting “as much energy into volunteering as if she was racing herself.” To her, “race day is a big party,” and volunteers are a “key component to logistics.” For this reason, she believes that volunteers “amplify the competitors’ experience and help them achieve their goals.”

Camille Baptiste pumping up triathletes at 2018 Rookie Tri!

Camille Baptiste (far right) pumping up triathletes at 2018 Rookie Tri!

For about five years now, Camille Baptiste has volunteered at many of the High Five Events. According to Baptiste, The Rookie Tri holds a special place in her heart. Swim in/out is her favorite volunteer position because she gets to see and encourage everyone before the race.

Camille Baptiste loves to “be loud,” pass out high fives to everyone, and give back to the Austin athletic community. You’ll always see her with a smile on her face. She enjoys helping athletes having the best race experience they possibly can!

The next available volunteer opportunities are at Jack’s Generic Tri (8/26) and Kerrville Triathlon Festival (9/28-9/30).

The High Five Events’ “Nomination Contest” features volunteers who go above and beyond at one of our events. These phenomenal volunteers help us produce successful, safe, and fun events for athletes, volunteers, and staff. Know an outstanding volunteer? Fill out this short form and nominate them today!

Kerrville Triathlon Adds Virtual Distances

Triathletes can participate in virtual Kerrville Triathlon from anywhere in the world

Registration for the 2018 Kerrville Triathlon Festival virtual triathlon opens on Monday, July 9th. The 8th annual Kerrville Triathlon Festival will take place September 28-30, 2018, in Kerrville, Texas. Last year, more than 1400 triathletes competed in eight different events that featured a swim course in Nimitz Lake, bike course through the Texas Hill Country, and run course along the Guadalupe River.

“2017 was a record year for the Kerrville Triathlon and we’re ecstatic about producing this amazing event in its eighth year,” said Stacy Keese, co-owner of High Five Events. “Word is quickly spreading that this is one of the top triathlons in the state and we’re excited to provide the virtual optio.”

Triathletes who cannot make it to the Texas Hill Country for #SmokinGoodTri can participate virtually! Click To Tweet

Virtual options

Triathletes who cannot make it to the Texas Hill Country can participate virtually. Participants who select this option can choose from five distances, including:

  • Debra Zapata Sprint Distance: 500m swim, 14.5-mile bike, 5K run
  • Quarter Distance: 1000m swim, 29-mile bike, 6.4-mile run
  • Quarter Distance Aquabike: 1000m swim, 29-mile bike
  • Half Distance: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
  • Half Distance Aquabike: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike

With the five virtual triathlon options, participants can complete each segment of their chosen event on their own schedule at a location of their choosing. The timeline for completing each virtual option begins on September 29, 2018, and lasts until October 22, 2018. Virtual participants have three weeks to swim, bike, and run their distances. Results must be submitted to the Kerrville Tri website by midnight on October 22nd.

Virtual triathlon registration starts at $40. Participants will receive a bib number, helmet and bike numbers, custom Kerrville Triathlon reusable water bottle, nuun hydration, and the famous Kerrville Triathlon belt buckle finisher medal to show off their accomplishment! Triathletes participating virtually will have the option to purchase a custom-designed race shirt at time of registration. Participants will receive their gear prior to September 29th.

Registration and rules can be found on the race website.