This month’s interview features one of the top race directors in all of triathlon, Tom Ziebart.  Ziebart has a long history within the sport of triathlon, competing in his first event in 1982. He directed his first triathlon in 1985 and has since worked on over 300 multi-sport events over the last 20 years. He has also competed in over 200 multi-sport events and has finished four Ironman races.  Tom was kind enough to sit down with us and give us a little insight as to how he and his team put on events that can cover up to 140 miles and feature 2000 competitors.

I can’t imagine all the planning that goes into the events you direct, what are the top 4-5 biggest headaches that come along with such large races?

Each race has its own set of challenges.  Most of these challenges can be overcome through preparation.  The most important thing about race directing is planning and making sure that you have covered all the things that need to be done as EARLY as possible.  A race manual and timeline are the RD's most important tools.  The biggest "headache" at every event is the weather - something you can not control.  But again, if you have plans in place for weather challenges you are ready for these conditions.

 
Outside of race directing I know you’ve competed in several hundred multi-sport events yourself (including 4 Ironmans!) what was your favorite experience in your own racing?

First Triathlon was an experience - 1983 - Penrod's Tinman Triathlon in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.   You always remember your first time.   Entry Fee - $15.00 - 250 athletes including Scott Molina and Scott Tinley!    First time I had ever swum a mile in the ocean - borrowed a bike and wore a football helmet with out the face mask.  Ended up using three bikes on the bike ride - 13 loop bike course and my chain broke on loop #2 - saw a guy with an old bike watching the race and asked him if I could use his bike - he gave it to me and took my first bike back to the transition.  One the 10th lap of the course as I went by the transition, I noticed that my good friend was off the bike and on the run.  He had real nice bike, so I went into the transition and exchanged bikes so I could ride the last three loops on his nice bike!  Back then, there were no rules, so no one cared that I had used three bikes during the race.


Triathlon has been growing so aggressively over the last several years that many events are filled with a greater percentage of first timers.  What are some of the biggest mistakes you see in newbies racing at your events?

Depends on the race - sprint races - not bringing a helmet!  Ironman 70.3 - Not being ready for the distance!  All races - showing up late and then being overwhelmed by all the pre-race preparations.


You have got to have dozens of “you wouldn’t believe it if I told you” stories.  Open up and give me your worst experience you’ve had in directing a race.

Key West - Championship Race with $30,000 Prize Purse - MIke Pigg, Karen Smyers, Michelle Jones, Jimmy Riccatello, Scott Tinley, Wendy Ingraham and a bunch of other professionals attended the race. A tropical depression stalled over the island the three days.  The transition was less than 3 ft of water - you could swim from the ocean INTO the transition.   We had to cancel the race, but we put on a GREAT party for the athletes that night!

 
Same question, other side—most inspirational athletic achievement you’ve witnessed at one of your races?  

That is a hard question, because I have been at over 50 Ironman finish lines.  Announcing with Mike at these finishlines is an inspirational experience at each race.  Seeing the faces of the first time Ironman athletes crossing that line is really cool.  Around 11:30 PM at each race, Mike goes down to the finish line with a wireless mic and I stay up in the tower - calling out the names the final finishers during this 30 min. is very inspirational.  Also - I get the chance to put a Gatorade Towel and hand a Gatorade to the winners of the Ironman races and that is very inspirational seeing these winners come through the finish line as many are first time Ironman winners!

What do your pride yourself on in directing a race with your involvement?

Safety is #1 in everything we do for planning for a race.  I also pride myself in finding great staff members who work hard and take pride in their work at our events.

 
You are an on course representative for Gatorade at most Ironman events in North America.  Tell us about your role with them and how you’ve been able to help them.

I talked about my role at the finish line with Gatorade - handing out the towel and drink to the winners.  I also organize the Gatorade morning swims at each of the Ironman events.  My favorite job with Gatorade is putting up the Gatorade inflatable at the finish line.  Next time you see a picture of an Ironman finish line look to see the Gatorade logo - if it's in the shot, I did a good job!


What has been your favorite race venue to direct and why?

Easy Question! - Whirpool Steelhead 70.3 in Michigan - I grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan and I lifeguarded at the race site during my college summers.  The venue is great with a beautiful beach, rural bike course and nice scenic run!   I get to work with two great partners - Mike Ryan, who I grew up with the St. Joseph and Jan Caille" by far the most creative triathlon promoter in our sport.

 
You have also spent a fair amount of time in organizing the Ironkids triathlon series.  What would be your top suggestions for parents with kids who are interested in getting into triathlon?

Be sure to let the kids have FUN!  Do not be a "little league" parent and PUSH your child to compete. "Train" with them and let them see how you enjoy the sport and show them by example how to be a good sport. 


Last one, most embarrassing moment in any race you’ve directed?

I was not embarrassed by I know that the athlete was - Alec Rukosuev had just come to the US from Russia and did not speak or understand English - At the USA National Sprint Championship in the Florida Keys instead of going "around" the first buoy, he touched it and turned toward the next buoy.  He won the swim and then won the race, but we had to disqualify him as he missed going around the buoy.  He ended up losing about $7,500 and I remember trying to tell him that he would not be getting any money.

Tom Ziebart
Born: 1956, St Joseph, Michigan
Age: 51
First Triathlon: 1981 - Penrod's Tinman Triathlon, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Turned Pro: N/A
Family: Wife - Debbie; Daughter - Kaitlyn - (16),  Son - David (12)
Lives: Howey in the Hills, Florida

Career at a glance

• Competed in over 200 triathlons
• RD of USA Triathlon National Championship - 4 years
• RD - Ironman 70.3 Florida, Steelhead 70.3, Ironman 70.3 Kansas
• Race Announcer - Ironman events in United States
• Event Director - National Training Center
• Race Director - Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida
  
• Series Director - IronKids Triathlon Series
  
• NA Sports Ironman Event Sales
  
• Race Director - Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon
  
• Race Director - Ironman 70.3 Kansas
  
  

email: tomziebart@aol.com

email: tom@nasports.com

Thanks to Tom for running his races like a well oiled machine. We look forward to seeing you in the 2008 season!

Interview by Max Wunderle

Back To News Center »