New England Endurance Events is thrilled to announce that our co-founder and director, Kathleen Walker, has been named USA Triathlon’s Race Director of the Year.
This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a U.S. race director who demonstrates outstanding dedication to the sport of triathlon in a multitude of ways — including exceptional event management and community engagement. USA Triathlon currently has 487 registered race directors from across the nation.
Kathleen’s journey as an RD began in 2014 when she and her friend Steph Goley organized the GutCheck Adventure Triathlon, a fundraiser benefitting a summer camp on Cape Cod that serves seriously ill children. Since then, her company has grown significantly and now hosts seven annual events: four traditional triathlons, one adventure triathlon, one swimrun and one multi-discipline adventure race.
As a USA Triathlon Certified Race Director and Red-Cross certified open-water lifeguard, Kathleen has always made athlete safety her highest priority.
Her commitment to the endurance community extends far beyond race day. She serves as president of the Friends of the Cape Cod Rail Trail — advocating for bicycle safety throughout the communities of Cape Cod. She founded a women’s open-water swimming organization with over 100 members, serves on the YMCA’s development and expansion committee, and volunteers as an election worker for the Town of Orleans. All this atop a full-time job as partner in a marketing communications agency.
Under Kathleen’s leadership, New England Endurance Events continues to thrive. Last year, five of our seven races reached full capacity prior to race day, with participation split almost evenly between men and women. Together with our incredible team of staff and volunteers, Kathleen has created events that are welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for athletes of all ages and experience levels.
Those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside Kathleen have long admired her passion, dedication, and tireless commitment to the sport and community at large. Seeing her recognized by her peers with this national honor is incredibly rewarding and well deserved.
Kathleen will be honored at the USA Triathlon Celebration of Sport, presented by TicketSocket, during the USAT National Championship week in Milwaukee on August 6.
Please join us in congratulating Kathleen on this remarkable achievement. We could not be more proud!
