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Stettler’s Joel Norman awarded ‘Race Director of the Year’

Joel Norman, a Stettler resident and race director of Stettler Triathlon has been recognized by the Alberta Triathlon Association...
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Stettler’s Joel Norman (centre) receives the “Race Director of the Year” award from the Alberta Triathlon Association.

Joel Norman, a Stettler resident and race director of Stettler Triathlon has been recognized by the Alberta Triathlon Association as the “Race Director of the Year.”

The award was based on Norman’s work for the Stettler Triathlon held earlier this year.

“The highlights of our event that won the award was the professional race organization, safety, positive participants’ feedback and our amazing volunteers,” said Norman.

According to Norman, the Stettler Triathlon used to be hosted for a number of years in Stettler before it went idle due to low attendance in 2013 and 2014.

“I got back into running in 2009 and started doing triathlons in 2010,” said Norman. “I have since completed over 20 triathlons ranging from sprint distance to Ironman distance.”

Norman had participated in Stettler Triathlons in the past and wanted to give back to the sport by bringing the event back to life.

In 2015 with the support of CJ Oprea, along with local organizations, Stettler Wellness Network and Stettler Recreation Centre, Norman restarted the event.

“We took the best things we have seen from races across the province and tried to bring them to our race in the community,” said Norman. “Any profits from the race went back into the community and for improving the race in the following year.”

Norman feels humbled by the recognition.

“With so many great races in the province the award is a great honour,” stated Norman. “This was only my second year as race director of the event.”

The Stettler Triathlon this year had a record attendance of 127 participants, up from the 100 in 2015.

“I can’t take all the credit, it takes a team of over 40 volunteers and great community sponsors to make race day go smooth,” said Norman.