ST: We recently saw the announcement of an XTri Series with Alaskaman being the US representative race. What does that entail?
AP: We are very excited and honored to be part of the XTri World Tour. As for the details, you'll have to wait and see. More details will be announced as the season progresses but that's all I can say for now. Visit
XTri World Tour site and follow the series page on Facebook to stay up to date.
ST: How have you and the planning for Alaskaman been received by locals in the lead up to the race?
AP: At first they thought we were crazy. The water in Resurrection Bay is frigid and has zero visibility. Although people swim in it recreationally over short distances, swimming long distances is unheard of during an event. Once we laid out the entire event, the rules, and safety precautions we are taking, everyone became very excited, open, and beyond friendly. Concerning all our courses, I cannot say enough about the City of Seward, Miller's Landing, the SeaLife Center, City of Girdwood, Alyeska Resort, Anchorage, AKDOT, and the Forest Service. It's been an absolute pleasure to work with them all. We have never worked with people that want to see an event succeed this much. Alaska is a great place with some really great people. One-third of our registrants are from Alaska and local residents filled half our volunteer positions more than six months out. Grateful doesn't begin to describe how we feel.