Triathlon is giving the recession a run for its money according to a December article by the San Diego Union-Tribune. Other sports, according to the paper, have fared less well. The NBA has reportedly cut its staff by 9%; NFL staff cuts are more than 10%; and NASCAR racing teams are being cut back.
According the Union-Tribune report by Staff Writer Don Norcross, ‘from the beginner’s sprint distance to the veteran’s Ironman, triathlon is thriving.’ Norcross cited a range of reassuring statistics:
USA Triathlon (USAT), the US national governing body, saw its membership increase 15% in 2008 to reach 115,000
The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner of the Ironman brand, jumped from 16 half-Ironman races in 2006 to 34 in 2008
San Diego County triathlons saw participation grow 10% in 2008
US title Triathlete magazine is seeing its circulation hit around 70,000, a 10% annual increase
The Union-Tribune emphasises that triathlon’s ‘mushrooming growth [is] more fascinating… as it takes serious bank to race triathlons.’ The article notes the price of a typical bike, US$3000 (€2,200); a wetsuit, US$350 (€255); and Ironman entry fee US$500 (€370). In addition, there is the cost of travel to races and the array of supporting products to bolster a triathlete’s performance.
According to the Union-Tribune, ‘high-end bikes are still being pedalled out the front door.’
Jeff Rowe, owner of B&L Bike & Sports in Solana Beach, added. “We haven’t seen the hit [that] car salesmen have seen. A lot of people hoping to get a BMW M3 at the end of the year can still get the very best tri bike and make their friends and competitors envious for US$7,000 (€5,140). And those are selling.”
As races sold out rapidly in 2008, early indications are that rapid event sell outs may continue this year. At US$500 (€370) per race entrant, the 2009 Ford Ironman Arizona sold 2,000 spots in one day.
There are a number of factors supporting the triathlon industry now and in the long term. According to Triathlete magazine, the average household income of its subscribers is US$177,000. Affluent consumers from the higher social/demographic groups clearly therefore play a part.
Triathlon has also moved beyond being a sport or pastime, to a way of life for the thousands of triathletes competing across the globe. The health and wellbeing lifestyle it confers is significant. Ben Fertic, President of the WTC added, “There are all kinds of wealth. Certainly your health and being fit is something you probably value more than anything else.”
Triathlon’s cool status likewise underpins its opportunity for growth. From celebrity participation to the latest tri bikes to apparel – according to Triathlete publisher John Duke, “Times are as robust as ever.”
www.signonsandiego.com
www.ironman.com
www.usatriathlon.org
www.blbikes.com
