Interview with Russell Bex
By: The Webmaster
August 12, 2001

1. How did you get into race directing? What is the time commitment?

I got into race directing by accident. It was more of a need that I fulfilled. Lafayette was home to many top triathletes but we didn’t have a venue to showcase their talents. I had been doing triathlons for about a year and I had some contacts with whom I could discuss and hypothesize about trying to put on a triathlon in Lafayette. Of course the hard part was finding a lake. But then I read an article in the newspaper about the USL ski team and their competition in Lafayette. So I figured if they could ski in a lake we could definitely swim in it. Before I knew it, the CajunMan was born. We began by begging people to do the race to now when we actually have to turn people down because we sell out. I also then started the Opelousas Duathlon, which is a much smaller race.

The time commitment for the CajunMan is huge. From June through September it becomes basically a second job. I do have an excellent committee that handles specific jobs and have taken a huge load off my hands. In particular John Deshotel, Jerry Richard, Ken Hainline, Charles Brenke, Ben Elder, Monte Ebersole, Bubba Lagasse among others who are truly irreplaceable and the CajunMan wouldn’t be the success it is without them. We also have many others who help us the day before setting up the race. It is a big commitment but well worth it. Except for the excessive gray hair that increases every year.

2. It seems like race directing is a thankless job. True? Does it seem as though people take it for granted and if so what can be done to change their perceptions?

Unfortunately I don’t think people realize how much work it is to put on a race. I used to be one of those people but now I realize the commitment and the time it takes to put on a quality event. Thankless? Yes and no. But just one “thank you” or “Great race” comment means the world to the CajunMan Triathlon Committee and me. Of course we want more that just one positive comment because we don’t do it for the money - we do it for the people and the love of the sport. I am not sure we can change people’s perceptions unless they become part of a race committee. I would highly suggest this, as it would do two things: end these perceptions and give additional help to race directors.

3. How does it look for this year’s CajunMan? Biggest ever? Might it sell out at 420 individuals and 14 teams?

The CajunMan sold out last year and it definitely will sell out again this year. We have already filled over 300 slots (as of 8/9/01), which leaves only about 100 slots available with a month to go. It will be the biggest and best yet. Keep in mind the CajunMan is the state championship for triathlons this year so the elite field will be stacked.

4. Why was the swim course changed to point-to-point?

The swim course change was due to Jerry Richard’s persistence. He has always been in charge of the swim course and he has been lobbying us for the last four years. But it is the right thing to do. And it should be nice. The participants will walk to the back of the lake and start the swim there and finish in the same spot as always. The course will be consistent every year, will be easier to set out buoys (Jerry’s big selling point) and the sun will be at everyone’s back. It should also alleviate some of the congestion. It took Jerry four years to convince us but I think it will make the CajunMan a much better race.

5. How many volunteers are needed for something like this? Where do you find them? How can prospective volunteers best contact you?

We probably use in excess of 40 volunteers. The Cajun Cyclists will assist on the bike course this year and the ULL track team will help us on the run course. At race site we rely upon friends, family, spouses (especially my lovely wife, Darcee who is in charge of registration and does a fantastic job), kids, etc. We can always use additional help so if anyone is interested please contact me at 337-988-1163 or email at SBRDude@aol.com. We can use help with finding lifeguards as well.

6. What is the status of your injury and how is recovery going?

Well, I have several injuries. My neck problems and arthritis in my left shoulder keep me out of swimming. I have knee problems as well, (bone spurs on my both knee caps) which hampers my running. Sounds like I need a paddy wagon just to get around. It looks as though my triathlon days are over - at least for now. I have always vowed that I would be back. Only time will tell. I might be able to do some duathlons in the future. I am actually running a little now without too much pain. So I am optimistic about running some 10k's and maybe even a half-marathon in the fall. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

7. What one or two things would you suggest to all participants that they might do to make your job easier and for the whole race experience to flow that much more smoothly?

How about 4 suggestions - they are all very easy to do.

1. Participants should always enter as early as possible. This will alleviate a lot of the problems for me and ensure that you are in the race. We had to turn away over 50 people last year.

2. Get to the race site on race morning at least one hour before the race. This allows the participant to get his packet, find your bike spot, warm up, etc. without any problems. Showing up 20 minutes before the race puts a strain on everyone.

3. Be capable of swimming a half-mile. You endanger yourself and others around you if you are trying to swim a half-mile for the first time.

4. Know the course. We have maps at packet pickup, maps at race site, maps in each packet and the roads are marked appropriately and yet we still have people who go the wrong way. It is the responsibility of each participant to know the course.