On Saturday, July 10, 2021, LG TRI will be returning for its 13th year in Eagle, Colorado. It will also be the ninth annual LG Kids’ TRI (ages 6-13). The adults’ race will consist of a 500-yard pool swim, 12-mile bike loop and 5k run. The event is in honor of avid triathlete Laura Genelin who passed away from colon cancer in July 2008. Registration will be open until July 8 at 3 p.m., and all registration proceeds will be donated to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, which provided financial support for the Genelin family when Laura Genelin was sick and receiving medical treatment.

“The money comes back to the Charitable Fund and we, in essence, put that back out to helping people in the community,” says Brooke Skjonsby, executive director of Vail Valley Charitable Fund.

Both the Vail Valley Charitable Fund and the Genelin family have been thoroughly involved since the first year the triathlon was held. In past years, Laura Genelin’s husband Paul could be found setting up the bike racks the night before; son Matt sang the national anthem the morning of the event; daughters Page and Morgan could be spotted on the course racing. Morgan also officially joined the planning committee three years ago.

“It’s a great way to memorialize my mom’s passion — triathlons and bringing the community together to do something fun,” Morgan explains. “It’s just a wonderful event that benefits so many more people than just the immediate family, just the immediate people who are competing in the triathlon. The money that it raises that goes towards the foundation helps out countless individuals and families. Everyone who comes out to participate all said they’re working towards this greater thing even if it’s just for them to have fun … which I just think is a wonderful, wonderful thing.”

In addition to being on the planning committee, Morgan also has the perspective of a participant, having raced in LG TRI almost every year it has been held.

“It’s just a way to have fun … I do not have the cardio to ever compete widespread like my mom ever did, but it’s just a fun way to spend a Saturday morning; get community involvement and then get some free food after,” Morgan says.

The participants are wide-ranging in age and skills (the oldest being about 83 years old). Michael Smith is an elite para-triathlete who raced in LG TRI last year. His team recently earned first place in Race Across America and he will soon be retiring from the army. Smith explains how the friendly atmosphere of LG TRI made an impact on him.

Michael “Dreamchaser” Smith running in LG TRI

“They were so welcoming to me, which is not always the case in triathlons because being of color in the sport of triathlon, I’m not always accepted,” Smith says. “But that community out there, from when we got there they had open arms and they wanted to assist me in any way that they could … They just put on a great race. And for somebody like me that has a disability because I’m missing my arm –– that’s really important for somebody like me to show up at a race and feel comfortable and want to come back.”

While the event centers around the race, there is a lot else happening. On the night prior to the race, there will be a silent auction preview which will include an Epic Pass and gift certificates from local restaurants, bars and shops. Local musician John Martin will also be performing. People will tap into a Bonfire Brewing keg on Friday and finish whatever is left after the race on Saturday. The silent auction prizes will also be announced once the triathlon is over. A food truck with breakfast burritos will be available before, during, and after the race.

“Put aside any preconceived notions or any belief that you can’t do this because it really is for all ages and all ability levels,” Skjonsby emphasizes. “It really, truly is an amazing community event and gathering.”

Find about information about LG TRI, including course details, here and register here.

A Race For Fun + Everyone: LG TRI