Interesting Information about the Triathlon:
A total of 450 participants entered. The first 300 entrants were chosen on a first come, first served basis. The final 150 slots were filled by a May 2nd lottery. There were 323 finishers.
The objective was to keep the event much the same as the earlier triathlons. It had become a huge success. 40 percent of the participants came from the Reston-Herndon area. The decision had been made to not put up prize money for the triathlon in order to keep it more of a community event.
The three directors took on more duties as it was decided a large unwieldy committee was impeding, rather than adding, to the event.
In these early years, Norm Happ recalled, the carp in the lake were not doing their job and the triathlon had to rent a special underwater mower to mow the hydrilla in the lake.
Joe Stowers noted the bike course was increased from 23.0 miles to 23.8 miles in 1987.
Since 1987, Reston Hospital has always been a major sponsor. It provides all medical services -- 4 or 5 nurses per event and 2 doctors, medical supplies, and care to all bruised and tired athletes. The hospital has donated $2,000 for each event.
Triathlon Contributions: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts.
Sponsors: Reston Hospital Center, Pizza Hut, NOVA Cycling & Fitness.