A third of the 1,500 athletes registered to compete in the second annual Annapolis triathlon have dropped out after the county refused to grant a permit for the race's biking portion, organizers said.
The "aquathlon" swim and road race replacing the Sept. 7 triathlon - billed as a charity event and an eventual financial boon to the local economy - now stands to lose $10,000 to $12,000, organizers told the County Council last night as they asked for future political support.
"At this point, we're very much in the negative," co-organizer Tom Smith said.
"It is our desire to bring a world-class event to Annapolis," co-organizer Jeremy Parks said. "If it is your belief it should not occur, please tell me."
County officials on Aug. 1 denied a permit to let the road race wind through St. Margarets into Annapolis, saying "the bike race route would unduly disturb the safety and convenience of the public." Race organizers could have submitted an alternative route, but they said other options appeared to cause greater traffic headaches.
Last year's race snaked through downtown Annapolis on a Sunday morning, causing major traffic woes and stranding church-goers trying to reach their services. This year, several church leaders opposed the event despite efforts to adjust the race to minimize the impact to parishes.
The County Council can't override county officials, but about two dozen determined triathletes testified last night to secure support for the 2009 race, which they said they plan to hold on a Saturday instead.
Some told councilmen how last year's race inspired them to pick up triathlon training as part of their lifestyle, helping them combat depression and health risks.
Annette Mattice of Annapolis told the council she shed 50 pounds in the past year training for the Sept. 7 event and was disappointed the county did not approve it.
"A lot of people, when they think of triathlons, they think of athletes, of people who are already in shape," she said, adding that last year's event inspired obese people and cancer survivors to race. "It's not just a race for young people or healthy people. It's a way to celebrate our community."
"I think our organizers are flexible and looking for ways to get this done," triathlete Ian Mattice said. "All I ask is for the same flexibility."
Organizers moved the race out of downtown Annapolis and had it begin and end and Sandy Point State Park. They planned to launch athletes in waves to create breaks in the stream of participants and make it easier for cars to pass. The same bike route had been used for three triathlon races in the 1990s.
Councilman Josh Cohen, an Annapolis Democrat who worked with organizers to address community concerns, offered empathy last night.
"I think you guys worked really hard, and it's a shame you were denied at the 11th hour in this way," Mr. Cohen said.
