Toward a more sustainable triathlon

We want the Musselman to live forever. Triathlon requires clean air to breathe and pristine water in which to swim, welcoming communities, and happy participants. With growing awareness of our impact on this earth, the Musselman Triathlon has made a commitment to responsible race production.

In 2008 you'll see changes in the ways we do things at the Musselman. Many are subtle, some are more pronounced, and all of them are meant to sustain this race and these environs for years to come.

Below you'll find a short list of ways we're trying to promote environmental and social responsibility. Mussel up and green up!

  • CRS certification: The 2008 Musselman will be pursuing a special designation which certifies the event as meeting standards of environmental and social responsibility. CRS stands for The Council for Responsible Sport, a non-profit organization founded in 2007 to administer a sustainability standard for athletic events.

  • Carbon offsets: In efforts to stage a carbon neutral event, Musselman participants can choose to purchase carbon offsets for their travel to and from the race during the registration process. Typically costing less than one dollar apiece, offsets are purchased in partnership with The Climate Trust and support carbon-restorative projects like wind farms and reforestation.

  • Bamboo race shirts: In 2007, we introduced shirts made out of bamboo for all athletes competing at the Musselman. Bamboo represents an effort to move away from cotton, a crop which is typically subjected to heavy applications of toxic pesticides.

  • Water-based inks: The bamboo race shirts are printed by TS Designs using water-based inks. Using their revolutionary REHANCE system, the shirt printing eliminates the harsh chemicals and processes of traditonal screenprinting.

  • Participant carpools: Musselman participants can use an online, interactive map of all participants to arrange carpools to and from the race, thereby cutting down on harmful greenhouse gas emissions and saving energy. Plus it's more fun to travel together.

  • Recycling: Since 2005 the Musselman has practiced extensive recycling over the course of race weekend. From cardboard to glass and plastic, the deliberate separation has diverted hundreds of pounds of trash from the landfill. We ask your help in using the recycling bins provided!

  • Charitable giving: Sustainability does not end with the natural environment. The communities in which we live must be nourished as well, especially those individuals and families with limited resources. In 2007 the Musselman donated $17,000 to local charities and service organizations. Since 2004 we have donated $38,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Geneva to support their crucial work.

  • Team Mussel: One of the most important, and entertaining, aspects of Musselman weekend is the kid's race, MusselKids. Each year a local fifth-grade teacher, Dave Soule, works with a group of children to prepare them for the MusselKids race and a lifetime of physical fitness. The Musselman is proud to support Team Mussel and Mr. Soule's efforts to bring the joy of fitness to children in this community.