Andy Vidro

USAT Certified Race Co Director

Andy is responsible for handling the technical side of the race ensuring all details are followed and sanctioning rules are adhered to. He also oversees all operations of the race. Andy has always enjoyed organized sports, 5k's, 10k's and half-marathons. Since entering the triathlon world, he has taken home several first place wins from MI to Las Vegas. Andy is also the president of the O'Hara Foundation - a group that raises funds and awards scholarships for athletes.

Bob Karel

USAT Certified Race Co Director

Bob heads up Aide Stations for the Grand Rapids Marathon and is on the board for Miles for Special Smiles in the capacity of Vice President. In 2006 Bob became a triathlete and has competed in 4-6 triathlons a year which includes two 70.3 Ironman's. Outside of being a runner, biker and swimmer Bob lives for Men's Ministry. He leads a Men's Group that meets weekly and guides 2 wilderness men's retreats every year. Bob is a lifelong West Michigan boy and a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Marketing.He is happily married to his amazing wife Shauna and has two young children, Ryen (6) and Camden (4) who are his daily inspiration.

Ann Swanson

CPA - Co Director

USAT Certified Race Director

Enthusiastic and focused, Ann has a passion for the details and the drive to ensure each athlete has a positive experience during their race. She has participated in organized races since 1996, and joined the triathlon world fives years ago. She also recently completed her first half Marathon. A small business owner and resident in the Grand Rapids area for several years, Ann enjoys giving back to the local community in many ways. She actively leads a weekly bible study group for women, holds a position of Treasurer for Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders and sits on the Alumni Board for Davenport University.

Jim Allan

Bike Coordinator

I have been bicycling my entire adult life and lead numerous group rides in the east end of Kent County. I am involved with the Priority Health Cycling Team to track event and volunteer participation; I assist to locate and organize community events that allow the team members to give back to the local community by helping in a variety of ways. I lead the summer Ada Bike Shop Tuesday Night Group rides and also volunteer to help the local bicycle club, The Rapid Wheelmen. I am able to ride about 5000 miles per year, year round. I have never participated in a triathlon but have done a half-dozen duathlons in the area. I enjoy providing support for events and encouraging friends and family as they compete in a variety of activities. I am a retired engineer from Steelcase.

Katie Belland

Run Coordinator

I began running in 2005 and have since done several races, from 10 miles to the Bayshore Marathon. Running is a big part of my life. I met my husband through the local running club and even got engaged at the finish line of the 2009 25k River Bank Run. While I have never done a tri myself, I enjoy cheering for my husband as he competes. I was previously the President of the Grand Rapids Running Club.

Todd Bradford

Moto-Patrol Champion and Bike Coordinator

Todd Bradford is an avid cyclist with a passion for everything on two wheels, both motorized and human powered. He is a hard working family man and life-long resident of Grand Rapids. Todd is active in his church, teaching, leading small groups and participating in leadership. He is also a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and teaches basic and advanced motorcycle classes through Grand Rapids Community College. This year Todd will be the Bike course champion as well as heading up the Moto-Patrol, pacing the field and providing moto-support for the race officials.

Cheryl Britcher

Packet pickup/Expo and Finish Line Coordinator

In January 2009 I became intentional and dead serious about good health, which meant making a sustainable lifestyle change-and it's been totally transforming! Setting stretch fitness goals led me into running and the world of sprint triathlons. The 2011 GR Tri was my first and the start of many more to come. The transformation hasn't been just about healthy eating and fitness, however-it's also about a balanced perspective on the whole of life. I'm wholly devoted to extended family in Michigan, Texas and California. I'm passionate about my career (at Priority Health). And there's room for the other things that keep life interesting-like cooking, competitive barbecuing, international travel, serving as a volunteer (community and church), being an avid sports fan who believes you can never have too much hockey, and my newest craze-ballroom dancing!

Fast Photo

Official Photographers

Fast Photo Pro was formed Dec 2008. Kevin Bos and Steven Korringa have worked for several sports photography companies and decided to take that knowledge and offer it locally focusing on Michigan Events that aren't getting professional photography services. Our goal is to make this a win/win for everyone involved. We work hard to bring you quality images. We use the most advanced online technology available for finding viewing and ordering your specific images by providing you with your own personal galleries based on your visible bib numbers.

Denise Hofstra

Parking Coordinator

As a mother of three and a grandmother of one, it had been a practice of mine to put others needs before my own for years. Well life doesn't care what excuses we have, poor health will catch up with us no matter who we are. After a couple wake up calls, I started making sure that better nutrition, walking and biking became part of my routine. I have a great respect for athletes of all levels and am happy to volunteer my time in support. Thank you to all the athletes who set such great examples for us all. I am inspired by all of you and hope I can inspire others along my journey to good health.

Melissa Hunter

Volunteer Coordinator

I have been an avid runner for seven years and thru running, I have been able to conquer my biggest challenges and goals. The Boston Marathon has been a dream of mine for the past five years which held numerous attempts and failures. I finally turned those failures into a success and qualified in April 2011 with a time of 3:37:07. I also enjoy running other distance races and participating in triathlons. My goals have evolved and I now enjoy motivating others to reach their dreams and have done this through pacing at the 5/3 Riverbank run 25K and Grand Rapids half marathon. I aspire to do more of this through coaching and training others and challenge others to do nothing but their very best. I am a certified spin instructor and take pride in putting everything I have into the preparation and execution of my classes. In my spare time, I am the volunteer coordinator for the Grand Rapids Triathlon, Michigan Titanium and am on staff of the Grand Rapids Marathon. I will leave you with my favorite quote which I live and teach: "Never Limit Your Challenges; Challenge Your Limits"

Chris George

Setup/Teardown Coordinator

Runner turned marathoner turned triathlete. I'm looking forward to the quest to become an Ironman in 2013. I love discovering new places and use endurance events as an excuse to travel. I've experienced quite a few incredible cities through marathoning. When there is free time, I enjoy being part of a three piece instrumental band. I'm very proud to be part of The Grand Rapids Triathlon team.

Abby Geurink

Clinic Leader

Abby is a professional triathlete and is excited to be a part of the Grand Rapids Triathlon Clinics! She has been racing in triathlons for over 5 years. This year will be her first full season racing as a professional and looks forward to traveling with her husband, Ross, to races as well as racing locally. She loves to share her passion and drive for the sport with others. Abby enjoys helping others learn new techniques and training skills that can lead to a faster and more efficient performance. Her favorite part of the sport is participating and sharing the interest of the sport with people of all ages, talent levels, and from all walks of life.

Jessica Hardy

Web and Graphic Designer

This event is a great opportunity for Grand Rapids. It's also a huge responsibility to put on. A race this size takes many volunteers and hours of dedication to pull off and we have a very dedicated team putting in the long hours at Wealthy Street Bakery sipping coffee and chatting about ideas to make this event great! I collaborated with Katie to design the Grand Rapids Triathlon branding identity. This includes the logo, website and other promotional material. I've been a graphic designer for about five years and I absolutely love it. I've never wanted to do anything else and I'm so blessed that I can come to work and do something I love. Most recently I am a designer at Kmotion Design in East Grand Rapids and I love every minute of it!

Joel Harner

Equipment/Transition Coordinator

I decided in 2008 I needed to get myself back in shape, and trained with a friend for a fall triathlon. Since then I have become obsessed with the sport. My 2009 season racing Olympic distance events went well and I was selected to race as an Elite Amateur for the Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked goods team from Bellingham, WA. I primarily focused on the Ironman distance. My two girls are competitive swimmers with the RAYS swim club and I have been actively involved with their team for the last 6 years on the Board of Directors and responsible for running all meets. I am very excited to have a triathlon event in our backyard (we live on the Thornapple River), and I believe it will be a great community activity for our area. I own a Custom Building/Remodeling Firm that does work across Michigan, which provides the flexibility to allow me to train for my various Ironman events.

Nicole Huston

Marketing Coordinator

Nicole is involved in many organizations throughout West Michigan, volunteering her time frequently, including providing marketing experience for the Grand Rapids Triathlon. Running enthusiast, she believes a great daily workout feeds the body and soul. Nicole is committed to providing outstanding work for her clients, and specializes in marketing communications, event coordination, and design. She currently works for her alma mater, Grand Valley State University, in the Event Planning Services department, managing and planning events.

Jeff Jauch

Special Needs Coordinator

My daughter Chelsea is my true inspiration & the catalyst to all of our racing. I was a heavy smoker when she did her first Tri, with 'The Ride of Their Lives'. It took her second Tri to get me to change my life. Now we've competed in many Triathlons and running races. We are both in the Two Hour club for the Fifth Third RBR. Our fastest Marathon time is 3:25. We race to raise awareness for the disorder Chelsea is afflicted - Rett Syndrome, which is a neuro-muscular disorder. We hope to challenge ourselves once again, by completing the 1/2 Iron distance event in the Grand Rapids Triathlon. We are honored to help coordinate the needs of the other special needs athletes. I have also completed an ironman 11:23:18.

Roxane Kruse

Clinic Leader

I have evolved from a high school sprinter and high jumper, to a collegiate heptathlete, to a beach volleyball player, to a 5K racer, to a recreational mountain biker, to a competitive off-road triathlete. I threw in one 25K Riverbank Run and a half marathon on Mackinac Island, hardly believing that 10 years prior, I hated running as far as 800 meters. I have grown to love triathlon and am starting my second season racing with Team Priority Health as a multi-sport athlete. In my real life, I work as a financial analyst for BISSELL and am very excited to be finishing up grad school this April so I can devote more time to volunteering and possibly coaching in the local triathlon community. When I heard about the clinics the race directors wanted to offer, I knew that was my calling. I am looking forward to helping educate triathletes and soon-to-be triathletes through our clinics.

Cathy Majestic

Signage Coordinator

I am a Michigan native who has had a love for running since high school. I love running for the camaraderie and how it challenges me both physically and mentally. I feel privileged to be able to help with the Grand Rapids Triathlon and the elite athletes competing there. I am active as a volunteer in my church and always looking for ways to get involved in my community. I have worked for Cascade Engineering for the past 7 years in program management, marketing and inside sales. I live in Lowell with my 12 year old daughter Sara who shares my love for running and all things outdoors no matter the weather.

Jason Miller

Co-Aid Station Champion

Back in 2006 I saw a race where people were swimming, biking and running. I thought those people are nuts, but I always like new adventures and I said to myself, “I can do that.” Since then I have spent a lot of money on special shoes, watches, bikes and tight clothes. I have completed many races from sprint distance to full Ironman. I enjoy seeing people accomplish their goals and finish races that I once thought was nuts. I am thankful to have the support from my wife Sara and our two girls Marysa and Samantha. Without their support I wouldn’t be able to be involved in this great sport.

Jennifer Palaske

Expo Coordinator

I love the outdoors, being in the woods, and hunting. The largest animal I have ever taken was a Blue Wildebeest while on a trip in South Africa.

Zachary Plumb

Videographer

This fall, I will be a senior in the GVSU film program, emphasizing in non-fiction production. Besides a filmmaker, I am also a distance runner and triathlete. I ran a few 5Ks when I was young, but hated running until I joined the cross-country team in high school. As I became better at running, I discovered triathlons as well, and started competing in a few each summer. Over the years, I have not ceased to be amazed at the incredible sense of community that is created by endurance sports. In my film career, I received early recognition by having one of my documentaries accepted into the 2010 Michigan Film Festival. Through video, I hope to give people a glimpse into the anxiety, excitement, pain, determination, sacrifice and ultimately bliss that go into completing a triathlon.

Chad Roberts

Transition Coordinator

I had been bicycling for a few years and in March 2009 was seeking to differentiate my fitness routine. A co-worker introduced me to a local triathlon group, and joined the workouts with no intention of racing. By June, I had completed my first Sprint distance event and was instantly hooked, and have competed in 3-5 Sprint and Olympic distances events annually since. In 2011, I decided to focus on my running weakness and completed my first 1/2 marathon. For 2012, I wanted to give back to the multi-sport community that has been so supportive. Shortcomings within the transition area of events have always been of issue, and relish the opportunity to create the best experience possible. A GR native, I have two children and work as a fleet manager for Gordon Food Service.

Doug Tuttle

Co-Aid Station Champion

After several unhealthy years and strong encouragement from my brother and a good friend (after many years of not having to worry about weight), I decided to join them for their workouts during the winter while they trained for their triathlon season. That June I completed my first triathlon and like so many others I was hooked. Four years later, I have competed in several road races and triathlons including Sprint, Olympic and Half-Ironman distances. In September 2010 I accomplished a major goal when I finished the Wisconsin Ironman and heard Mike Reilly announce "Doug Tuttle, You are an Ironman!" During my races, I take full advantage of the Aid Stations, and I am excited to be the Aid Station Coordinator and a part of the committee for the inaugural Grand Rapids Triathlon. I am married to my lifelong best friend Susan and we have 3 children (Corydon, Ella & Raleigh) who are up and coming triathletes. I am a third generation co-owner of Johnson Carpet One in Grandville.

Katie VanderPloeg

Web and Graphic Designer

I'm a runner. I run the fifth third 25k, and a few other local races. This is my first event I am sponsoring, its exciting to help out! I LOVE to workout, cardio, weight lifting, running, biking, hiking, etc. I actually met my husband at the gym. Fitness & outdoor activities is something great we can do together. Fitness makes me happy, and appreciate the life that God gives me. The opportunity to push myself physically & mentally - I can celebrate life when doing such things. I'm the owner of Kmotion Design, where I do web design and motion graphics. I've always been creative and artistic since I was little. I love my job and therefore I don't have to work a day in my life, because what I do everyday for my job is my passion.

Jim Vidro

Awards Coordinator

My experience with athletic events includes over 10 years in the Athletic Department of Grand Rapids Public Schools including several years as coordinator of the Thanksgiving Day Run. Although I have not participated in a triathlon, I have grown to appreciate the triathlon through the participation of my son. After being a part of Grand Rapids Public Schools for 32 years as a teacher, coach, advisor, athletic director, and assistant principal, I now am an adjunct instructor at Grand Rapids Community College. I greatly value the place of physical activity in our lives and I am glad to be involved with the first Grand Rapids Triathlon.

Mike Yoder

Social Media Advisor

Mike Yoder has a broad background in business development and consulting. His fields of expertise include social media, organizational communications, human resources, recruitment, staffing, and contingent workforce management. As a social media advisor, Mike focuses on the areas of business development and social media strategy development for clients throughout West Michigan. Responsible for taking LinkedUp Grand Rapids from 400 to over 6,000 members in two years making it the largest non-alumni LinkedIn networking group in the State of Michigan Mike is able to parlay his social networking experience into innovative and comprehensive strategies for his clients. Mike has a BA in speech & communications from Geneva College in Pennsylvania and an MA in organizational communications from Western Michigan University. He has also served as a board member for the Specialized Language Development Center and RandyDon Ministries. A long-time resident of Grand Rapids, he lives on the Northwest side of town with his wife and three children.