The Peregrine Charities Triathlon took place for the first time on Sunday, September 29, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa. As a first-year race, Peregrine Charities attempted to infuse green elements from the outset. This approach produced some advantages that the event will be able to benefit from in future years.

Held in the same city as the world headquarters of John Deere, the triathlon enjoyed enthsiastic support from officials in both Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The event serves as a fundraiser for Peregrine Charities, which distributes grants to local hopitals and emergency care facilities for individuals needing specialized care. With 187 participants and no major accidents, the initial year can be seen as a success.

Waste
The triathlon sought to reduce waste headed for the landfill through extensive recycling. Intent to recycle cardboard, glass, plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, and paper was evident in bins provided by a local company, City Carton Recycling. Although bins were present near the main dumpster and in one other location near the expo, many of the cardboard trash bins placed around the race site did not have an accompanying recycling container; thus, everything went into the same bin. Unless volunteers were prepared to separate the trash at the conclusion of the event, the amount of recycled material would be minimal.

The event was unable to avoid plastic water bottles due to sponsorship by Gatorade, which sent several hundred bottles of electrolyte beverage. Additionally, new 5-gallon coolers from Gatorade were used for beverages at the aid stations, instead of being borrowed from a local YMCA or college.

Leftover food was donated to a local food bank, allowing the event to divert a significant amount of potential waste from the landfill.

Climate
Most athletes journeyed to the event by car, with few coming from out-of-state. A shuttle from the host hotel, the Ramada Inn in downtown Waterloo, was offered to athletes, but few availed themselves of the option. The shuttle was offered on an as-needed basis, which would have resulted in multiple individual trips. A set schedule, in which athletes could sign up in advance, would have resulted in fewer trips of higher ridership.

Few vehicles were employed for event needs. A couple pickup trucks, two "Gators" (small gasoline-powered carts made by John Deere), and three motorcycles for transporting officials were placed into service. All of the vehicles were powered by gasoline, but according to race documentation the fuel consisted of 87% ethanol. In a state boasting miles and miles of cornfields, this represents a more sustainable option than overseas oil.

The post-race food included one organic option - bananas. Though organic, the bananas came from overseas and thus contributed a large carbon footprint to the event. As Iowa is in the breadbasket of the United States, perhaps in future years a local fruit could be offered to supplant the bananas.

Equipment & Materials
Rather than invest time and money in building new bike racks, the triathlon instead borrowed racks from a race official coming from Minnesota. This reuse avoided waste for an item that the race would only use once per year. Little additional infrastructure was necessary for the small event, with most items rented or borrowed.

Attempts to find an alternative fabric for the race shirt did not fit within the budget; thus, athletes and volunteers received a traditional cotton shirt. A bike jersey served as a promotional and raffle item, and that was made from recycled materials.

As a first-year race trying to please participants, the triathlon distributed two items to every athlete crossing the finish line: a finisher medal and a mesh running hat. Both items were manufactured overseas, increasing the event's carbon footprint.

Community and Outreach
Bolstering services and resources for the local community are at the core of the Peregrine Charities Triathlon. The event was created as a fundraiser for Peregrine Charities, and a large portion of every entry fee goes to the non-profit. Through the triathlon, athletes not only support the charity financially but also learn of its mission.

The race was entirely produced and directed locally, with substantial input from community leaders and local citizens. The cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo embraced the event, and a general feeling of goodwill met athletes and spectators alike. Several athletes were housed by the race in a homestay program with local families. Because of this attention to fostering community support, the race will likely enjoy a long lifespan in the area.

The event also increases awareness for the environmental degradation of the lake in which the athletes swim. George Wyth Lake is well-known locally as a polluted body of water, affected by runoff from nearby fields each time it rains. The triathlon attempted to encourage recreational use of the body of water, and eventual cleanup efforts, by publicizing the bacteria levels of the lake. On raceday the water quality was sufficiently clean for swimming.

Although not necessarily a public asset, the local highway was cleaned of debris by the volunteers on the bike course. The prior summer's flooding left behind large amounts of litter, and the 20 volunteers lining the 22-mile bike route picked up this garbage in their free moments. A support vehicle transported the garbage bags back to the dumpsters in the park.

Health Promotion
The event made efforts to reach many segments of the population, including females and beginners. Each swim wave was small, and two extra waves especially for "novice" athletes were included. Local media produced stories both before and during the event, including radio, TV, and print.

Both of the co-directors of the event are women, significant in a sport where the majority of race directors are men. Youth were engaged through outreach to youth programs, and opportunities for fundraising were provided to youth groups. The local YMCA took advantage of this by setting up a lemonade stand.

A post-race survey is planned for sponsors, athletes, and volunteers. Short questions will request feedback on the event as a whole, including sustainability components.