100 triathlons in 100 days

Missouri doctor crusades for charity, seeks Guinness glory

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (Aug. 14, 2008 ) – Watch out Tom Cruise – John Curtin, D.C., is a man on a mission. To run 100 triathlonsin 100 consecutive days may seem like an impossible feat, but Dr. Curtin is fully committed not only to breaking a Guinness World Record, but more importantly in calling attention to abused children.

Dr. Curtin’s P3 Triathlon Tour began May 31 and will end September 7 in Kirksville, Mo., home of the Northeast Missouri Triathlon. The 24th annual NEMO Triathlon, sponsored by A.T. Still University, is a fall tradition at 1000 Hills State Park. Through the years, thousands of participants have competed in the 3/4-mile swim, 18-mile bike, and 5-mile run at the region’s premier outdoor recreation area. This year, the NEMO Triathlon will be the site of a record-breaking finale to Dr. Curtin’s mission for Missouri KidsFirst.

By pushing his physical and mental limits for 100 days straight with exhaustive swimming, biking, and running, Dr. Curtin hopes his efforts will raise awareness for the child advocacy group which helps families traumatized by abuse and violence. The organization represents 15 advocacy centers throughout the state and provides resources, training, support, and public awareness to end child abuse. Dr. Curtin has pledged all proceeds from his P3 Triathlon Tour to the group.

“This is an enormous goal, and it only seems natural to leverage its enormity to benefit others in an equally enormous way,” says the father of three.“This effort will remind the nation that child predators exist, and we need to learn to protect our children and teach ways to prevent child molestation.”

To further publicize his crusade, this Lake Saint Louis, Mo., chiropractor aims to set a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive triathlons in a year. He originally set out to race in 100 triathlons in 100 days in all 50 states, but escalating gas prices have forced him to race closer to home.

“The upcoming months promise to be an exciting and demanding time for us,” Dr. Curtin says. “We are working hard to organize and prepare for our attempt to set a world record.”

Dan Martin, director of ATSU’s Thompson Campus Center, and his team have been equally busy preparing for September’s triathlon. The TCC has organized the NEMO Triathlon for years and has experienced growing participation and excitement among race-goers. This year promises to be especially exciting with Dr. Curtin wrapping up his tour with Missouri KidsFirst and Guinness World Record officials in tow.

“To train for and complete in any triathlon is a lofty goal,” says Martin. “To do 100 triathlons in 100 days is an incredible testimony of the passion Dr. Curtin brings to this cause.”

Until the final race day in Kirksville, Dr. Curtin will be racing every day. Since triathlons are not typically held on weekdays, races are recreated for the P3 Tour through the week on USA Triathlon sanctioned courses. This has caused Dr. Curtin’s team to get creative helping in reaching his goal. “When you’re taking on something as big as this, you have to expect a little resistance and some hurdles,” he says. Oftentimes, this includes sharing his bike route with vehicle traffic and asking teammates to canoe alongside him in the absence of a lifeguard during his swims.

But these are hurdles Dr. Curtin is more than able to jump. An athlete since childhood, he has competed in several triathlons, and at age 15 was one of the youngest Half-Ironman Triathlete competitors in the country. He has also sailed and cycled at the professional level. Today, Dr. Curtin helps others train for triathlons as a coach for Training Bible Coaching, a coaching service for endurance athletes.

“It is important to me to encourage others to realize the power in being active on any level, assist the enhancement of their performance in whatever they choose to do, and inspire them to maximize their potential,” he says, alluding to the three P’s in his tour name: power, performance, and potential.

As a board member for The Child Center Inc., a Wentzville and Hannibal, Mo., center under the Missouri KidsFirst umbrella, Dr. Curtin is unsure how much money the P3 Tour will generate. He and those supporting him are certain, however, that any amount will make a positive difference in the lives of many abused children.

“When you always strive for greater heights, you become the best you, and inspire others to reach beyond what they imagined possible.”

To read more about Dr. Curtin’s mission or donate to his cause and Missouri KidsFirst, visit www. p3triathlon.com. To register for the 24th annual NEMO Triathlon, visit www.nemotriathlon.com.