OUR VIEW: Triathlons, sports shop boost for area

Staff Editorial
Published: August 12, 2008

» SUMMARY: Culpeper’s Sprint triathlons are proving to be big events for the community; new sporting goods store fills a need.

The Culpeper Sprint triathlon took place at Mountain Run Lake Park on Aug. 3, marking the fourth anniversary of our area hosting the competitive Virginia Triathlon Series. The event has grown so quickly that Culpeper now hosts two triathlons every year, and 600 competitors participated in the most recent race.

Considering that about 50 of the participants came from Culpeper or the surrounding counties, it’s not hard to figure out why the hotels and restaurants around town were full during triathlon weekend. Events such as the triathlons and Soap Box Derby races attract tourists and their dollars. Triathlon racing is quickly becoming a cottage industry with local racers investing in training sessions, as well as biking, swimming and jogging equipment and apparel. All of it adds up to a boost to the local economy in these trying times.

We congratulate the locals who volunteer their time and efforts to put on a first-class event that has triathlon enthusiasts from Florida to Connecticut traveling to Culpeper to compete. And while we realize the event puts an extra burden on the sheriff’s deputies who patrol the course area, it would be a shame if the Culpeper triathlons were to ever become a thing of the past.

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GOOD SPORTS:  With Becker’s, a new sporting goods store with plans to open in the Southgate Shopping Center around Labor Day, sports enthusiasts won’t have to travel to get their gear.

The new shop with local ownership fills a gaping need in the Culpeper community. As of now, many residents find themselves traveling to Charlottesville, Fredericksburg and Prince William County to purchase equipment for baseball, softball, lacrosse, football and nearly every other popular sport.

With its opening, Becker’s will make life easier for Culpeper’s athletic enthusiasts and help keep their spending money in the county.