A Hard Good-bye
Proverbs use clever language and metaphor to bring forth a general truth or practical bit of life advice. They represent cultural common sense and lived experience. Rarely do we know their actual origins. Suddenly, their communal wisdom just appears in the stories we share. Through the power of words and metaphor, they are sturdy truisms to stand on. One such anonymous, traditional proverb will give us something to stand on as we look toward the 2027 season of the Platte River Fitness Series. “All good things must come to an end.”
After twenty-five years, one name change, three race directors, and the unwavering support of Nebraskaland Bank, the Mid-Nebraska Sprint Triathlon, formerly known as the James O’Rourke Memorial Triathlon, is being retired. The kids’ event will continue, however, with a return to its original name, the Tinker Triathlon for Kids. It will continue to be held on a Friday evening in late April. This year’s co-race director, John Guethlein, had hoped to continue to direct the race beyond this year. John is also the Aquatics Rec Leader for the City of North Platte with the greatly expanded directorship of a new, much larger aquatic center at the Rec Center and the expansive new waterpark at Cody Park. He is also part of the team charged with developing and managing the operations for these two expansive new facilities. Most importantly in the grand scheme, he is a proud new father. I am grateful that he was able to squarely assess his capacity to host the race moving forward and for his efforts, along with Brock Wurl, that give us a 25th year in 2026.
Neither Brock nor I, as previous directors, have the capacity to return to directing this event. I reached out to several other folks who I thought might be a great fit, and all declined. Friends, it is a tremendous commitment, beyond what most people imagine and the truth is, it really takes two people, one to manage the race and one to gather and manage the volunteers-which, by the way, are getting harder to find. We are near the time when a contract must be signed for timing services, which requires this decision be made now. While size and value don’t have to align, the adult race has seen a slow decline in participation as well. The kids’ event continues to grow, outpacing the adult event, and is much less resource intense. It is also one of the most joyful events we have.
I know that our triathlete community will be disappointed. The triathlon was a fire starter for many local athletes to pursue the incredible sport of triathlon. I intentionally chose a triathlon as the first event for a fitness initiative to get people up and moving. Our novice-friendly approach made what can be an intimidating sport feel doable and inherently required plenty of exercise to prepare for. The triathlon was our first event, has served as our signature event, and has encouraged hundreds and hundreds of people over the years to be brave and do something hard.
This was not an easy decision. I can assure you that no one will grieve its loss more than me. It is some of the hardest, most meaningful, most rewarding work I have ever done. Getting to share the story of Judge Jim O’Rourke and his family was something I will always cherish. The stories and the athletes behind those stories have given me beautiful memories that will last to the end of my days. Getting to watch people transform themselves and their lives through the triathlon has been one of my greatest blessings.
Thank you to every triathlete and volunteer for being part of this story of transformation. Thank you to the Rec Center and its staff who gave it a home. Thank you to the O’Rourke’s who were brave enough to allow us to turn their loss into something so very good. Thank you to Nebraskaland Bank for saying “yes” for twenty-five years. Thank you to the City of North Platte who helped us make it all work. The triathlon has partially defined a quarter-century of my life, and I like to think it has been a “good thing.” And yet, as the proverb reminds us, good things must end. My gratitude for all it has been, however, will last forever.