A new law passed allows swimming in Potomac River for The Nation's Triathlon
8
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1028 days
psuambassador posted 51 weeks ago.
I was reading about this on slowtwitch.com. By the way the replies were coming in over there, it didn't sound like the ideal water to be swimming in... agricultural by-products from upstream, waste water run off, and other toxins put into the water from birds and other animals in the city. There is serious doubt whether the water will really pass inspection for swimming purposes, which has caused many people to wonder why this race is billed as a tri when it will almost certainly become a duathlon.
It looked like a great race that I was excited to sign up for in the future, but after hearing a little about the water quality, I'll stay away for now.
96
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373 days
rebekahliz posted 51 weeks ago.
Well, that'd make at least two of us. I'd love to compete in my favorite American city, but I lived in the area for three years and I heard quite a bit about the terrible condition of the river, the bay, and so on. Even the treated drinking water, for that matter. Remember the lead scare? Sad, but true.
Di mana ada kemauan, di situ ada jalan (Where there is desire, there is a road). – Indonesian proverb
608
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1007 days
deepbluex posted 50 weeks ago.
Perhaps greater awareness of clean water will come out of this as the sport grows in popularity and triathletes everywhere look at rivers, lakes, and oceans as places that deserve to be clean enough to swim in, not just dump into.
771
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1247 days
Jstyle posted 50 weeks ago.
I dunno I still might sign up for it who knows..
1392
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944 days
tri-ac posted 50 weeks ago.
as a former northern Virginia resident, i'd love to do this tri and wouldn't hesitate at the water (unfortunately my schedule won't allow it).
The Chicago, NYC, and the Phila tri are in formerly major industrial rivers and they are prospering races.
god knows we all breathe enough fumes walking/biking/driving around town and no one says boo about it. we are more durable than we seem. i say suck it up for 30 mins. and i do like the idea that it draws attention to cleaning up our waterways and fisheries...i'd think most triathletes would be on board with that.
Swimming made legal for triathlon competitors on September
29th, 2007
First time ever swim in the Potomac River set for The Nation’s Triathlon®
July 12, 2007 -- (Washington, D.C.) -- Triathletes competing in The Nation’s Triathlon in September are exempt from the law banning swimming in the Potomac River, after the DC Council passes the DC Triathlon Act. This amendment keeps the current ban on swimming for the public intact but amends the law to state that “…swimming shall be allowed on September 29, 2007 by those persons who are registered participants in the triathlon organized and hosted by The Nation’s Triathlon…”
This first time swim exemption comes on the heals of more than 20 months of work between The Nation’s Triathlon® and numerous DC Agencies that included sustained water quality testing and the development of swimmer safety plans. The act was passed only after tests results continuously demonstrated the water to be swim-quality safe.
“We thank the DC Council for passing this important legislation and supporting triathlon in the nation’s capital” says Charles Brodsky, Founder of The Nation’s Triathlon® “This legislation clears the way for the issuance of the swim permit which we still require in order to produce the race.
Water quality will be tested up until race day. The legislation contains a provision that calls for the cancellation of the swim if water quality does not meet swimming standards. Brodsky says, “Like other triathlons, this one is now in the hands of Mother Nature. If she keeps the rain away we’ll have watch a magnificent triathlon swim take place right in Georgetown Harbor.”
The prohibition on swimming in the Potomac is still in full force and effect. Triathletes in the race will be supported by dozens of kayaks, EMS patrol craft and other safety measures. In addition the water will have been tested and verified safe. The Nation’s Triathlon®, and the agencies of the DC Government urge people NOT to go swimming in the Potomac River..
The Nation’s Triathlon LLC, a Washington, DC based production company owns The Nation’s Triathlon® - a USAT sanctioned Olympic distance triathlon. Competitors swim 1.5 kilometers, bike 40k then run 10k. More information can be found at thenationstriathlon.com.