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@ ah--That's definitely a valid point, that the tri (like all long races) is disruptive. However, that's a whole other argument to have.

The issue I'm driving at in this case is the fact that the race has been on the same weekend for the last two years and has faced no problems with the permit. Organizers were given no indication that this year would be any different. The reason I'm saying there is bad faith is because NPS is not giving any reason for denying the permit other than "it's policy". However, it seems to be a rather selective policy that wasn't enforce the last two years. I'd like to know exactly how the race interferes with July 4 prep, but they simply aren't providing any explanation. To me this underscores the larger issue of the NPS having way, way, way too much control over the parks in DC while never having to answer to DC citizens.

I will also note that while the race is indeed a for-profit event, it is a radpidly-growing event that would have attracted between 4 and 5 thousand participants this year. The race was drawing people from far away, people who would've needed hotel rooms, had dinner out, etc. Events like this bring revenue to the city.

by MJ on Mar 16, 2012 11:03 am • link • report