Getting Ready For Race Time!

With Vineman Ironman 70.3 rapidly approaching, our race committee is mobilizing! Recently we had a race meeting at Santa Rosa Sports Medicine to discuss the upcoming events. We have more than 30 coordinators and 1000 volunteers who make the Vineman events happen. It is our goal to make your experience at the Vineman events the best it can possibly be.

Remembering Steve Larsen

Vineman lost perhaps the most talented and classiest participant in the history of the event, with the passing of Steve Larsen. Larsen won the Vineman Ironman 70.3 event in 2001, placed second in 2003 & 2005, and third in 2008. Larsen collapsed this past Tuesday after a track workout and was not able to be resuscitated. He was 39 years old and is survived by his wife and five children. Steve will be missed by many.

20th Annual Vineman Reception

Activities for the Full Vineman will kick off on July 30th at Windsor's Mary Agatha Furth Center with the 20th Annual Vineman Reception. The event will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM and will include wine tasting, hors d'oeurves, and a program which reminisces the twenty year history of the event. Entrance is complimentary for athletes who are entered in the Full Vineman, but they must sign up for the reception at http://www.active.com/ before July 20th. Guests of Full Vineman entrants may also sign up through http://www.active.com/ before July 20th for a $10 fee. Twenty years is a long time in the world of triathlon. Come celebrate with us!

Owen's Showdown Egg Hunt

If you are racing at the Vineman Showdown on April 11th you will have the chance to be part of Owen's Egg Hunt! While you are swimming Owen will hide a dozen eggs in the transition area. If you find one while you are racing, pick it up and keep it with you. You must have the egg with you as you cross the finish line to claim your prize. After finishing take your egg (and the coupon inside it) to the Vineman retail booth to redeem it for your prize! Happy racing and happy egg hunting!

Brad Illing, Vineman Staff

Brad Illing is the newest addition to our staff at Vineman, Inc. Brad and his wife, Liz traveled from their home in Florida to compete in the Vineman and Half Vineman in 1997. Shortly after they moved to Sonoma County. A few years later Brad began putting on Adventure races in the North Bay. After a couple of years back in Florida, the Illings returned to Sonoma County. Now Brad is working with Vineman as our sonsorship procurement and fulfillment director.

Amy Latourette & Barb Recchia, Vineman Staff

Amy Latuorette (seated in pic) has been involved with the Vineman events for fourteen years. Amy primarily is responsible for the registration aspect of the Vineman events. She also is our office manager, retail order-filler, web-site editor, and green consultant. Amy is the engine that drives a lot of our day-to-day activities here at the Vineman World Headquarters.

Barb Recchia, the Chairperson of Barb's Race, has been part of the Vineman events since 1990. 2009 is the ninth year we have held Barb's Race, our fundraising event which has donated $265,000 to local cancer related groups to date. Barb is a two-time cancer survivor and an inspiration for all of us.

Michael Belluomini, Vineman Staff

Michael Belluomini has been involved with the Vineman events for most of the 20 years they have been in existence. Mike is a multi-time Vineman (and Ironman) finisher, who has become an important part of our race staff. Mike primarily is responsible for the recruitment and coordination of the army of Vineman volunteers. He also is the driving force behind the Vineman Showdown event. Mike is a Sonoma County native who currently lives in Marin. Along with working at Vineman, Mike is also a very successful real estate agent. We're not sure how he manages to work both jobs but he does...and with perfection! If you want to help out at our events (or know someone who wants to volunteer), or if you come to one of our races and decide to move here (like lots of people do) contact Mike. His e-mail is mike@vineman.com. He will take care of you, we promise.