Thanks community volunteers

Editor:

Socorro Striders and Riders (SSR) would like to thank the Socorro community for giving more than 250 youth and adults the opportunity to challenge themselves at the 25th Socorro Chile Harvest Youth and Adult Triathlons August 2nd and 3rd. This bike, swim, and run event ushered into our town a positive energy and a determined grit followed up by a euphoric joy at the finish line. Participants came from all over New Mexico and beyond. This year, the relay teams were especially noteworthy because many teams were composed of our own youth swimmers, cyclists, and runners.

We are grateful to both the City of Socorro and New Mexico Tech for the financial support they provide to keep this event in Socorro. In addition, we especially appreciate the City of Socorro Police Department and New Mexico Tech Campus Police for keeping athletes safe, while the local Ham Radio operators transmitted important information during the race. New Mexico Tech Facilities and the City of Socorro worked to make sure the roads were clean and crucial potholes were filled prior to the race.

Our city’s grounds and maintenance team turned lights on early, provided tables, chairs and a big tent. Healthy Kids Socorro provided fruit and water for participants and volunteers. The City Pool showed off their new paint job and provided lifeguards for the adult event, while New Mexico Tech auxiliary services and NMT Gym provided the NMT pool, Tech field, and support for the kids triathlon. The Socorro High Cross Country Team, Golf Team and Swim Team all joined in the fun in cheering on and passing out water and directing runners. Equally important were our local business including Positive Outcomes, Box Canyon Brewing, Socorro Family Eye Care, and Walmart.

Finally, as in almost all special events in Socorro, we thank our Socorro community members who recognize each year how much we need them. These giving folks provide their own time and an amazing positive energy to cheer, direct, set-up, clean-up, serve, and do whatever they are asked to make this a highlight event for the town. We look forward to coming back for our 26th year next year!

John Leeper

President

Socorro Striders and Riders

Luis Contreras-Vidal Race Director