COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- The popular Coeur D'Alene Triathlon is short dozens of volunteers. With just two days left until the big race, officials are now calling on the community for additional support.
"We have about 120 volunteers right now," said Tawnya O'Keefe, volunteer coordinator. "Ideally, I'd like to see around 200."
Race organizers say the main priority for volunteers to help keep the athletes safe. O'Keefe says she still needs people to assist in all three portions of the competition: swim, bike and run.
More specifically, volunteers with experience manning kayaks or paddleboards would be helpful. O'Keefe added that competitors sometimes face problems during the swim section, and need to be able to quickly get to a water volunteer for assistance.
"We also have a lot of room on the bike course for people pointing athletes and keeping them going in the right direction, so that they don't get lost," said O'Keefe, "Also keeping them safe, having them slow down at crucial intersections."
The triathlon is being put on by the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce. As of Thursday afternoon, chamber president Steve Wilson said that more than 1,000 people had registered to compete.
"It creates an image for our community as a wonderful destination for hiking, biking, and outdoor athletic activities," says Wilson.
Online registration for competition closes Thursday at midnight, with limited on-site registration available on Saturday morning. Community members looking to volunteer can go to www.cdatriathlon.com for additional details.
