Lake in the Hills calls off triathlon
Lake in the Hills has canceled this year's triathlon because an outside organizer expected to run the event backed out.
Since 2007, the village parks and recreation department had organized the event, typically held in June. It involved a lot of volunteer effort and staff time, including a considerable number of police and public works employees working the event.
"I think it's a shame that we're unable to do it this year," Village President Paul Mulcahy said. "There were just some wrenches in the works this year."
A company specializing in triathlons had approached the village about purchasing and running the event, but backed out last week, officials said.
"It does not allow us enough time to put this together," said Laura Barron, director of parks and recreation. "Normally, we would have been planning this starting in the fall. We will be re-evaluating it to see if we can do it next year."
Barron said the triathlon was primarily driven by former parks and recreation Director Trudy Wakeman, who retired last August.
"That was her baby," Barron said. "She is a triathlon participant and very knowledgeable about those events."
Barron said village officials have to review the actual cost of running the event.
The triathlon generated roughly $20,000 in revenue in 2014. After race expenses were paid off, roughly $5,000 was left to reimburse village departments that provided staff support, she said.
About 50 to 60 volunteers also help with the event.
"There is a lot of labor involved," Barron said. "There's a lot of internal resources that we use."
The outside agency had never quoted a price for taking over the event, she added.
"We just have to re-evaluate it when we go into preparation for next year's budget phase to see if that's something we will continue with," Barron said.
Residents can still participate in other activities this summer, including Stroke & Stride open water swim and 3-mile run on Wednesdays starting June 3.
The parks and recreation department also will continue its Run Thru the Hills 5K/10K race April 12, and kick off the Summer Sunset Festival with the Sunset 5K Sept. 4.