Ironman dreams spark Vineman reality in Wine Country

There are so many locals in Sonoma County that help make this a special place to live. The Press Democrat is highlighting some of these non-profit volunteers in our special Thanksgiving section this year.

To read about all of them go to www.pressdemocrat.com/specialsections/celebrations.

In 1989, Russ Pugh was a young man in Kansas with a crazy dream: 'I wanted to put on an Ironman.'

Back then, almost no one knew what an Ironman, or ultra distance triathlon, was.

In fact, at the time there wasn't an ultra distance triathlon (a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run) anywhere in the continental United States, Pugh said.

And in any case, Kansas certainly was not a hotbed of endurance athleticism.

'I'm thankful that one of the top professional triathletes in the world at the time, Harold Robinson, lived in Santa Rosa,' Pugh said. 'Harold happened to be a friend of mine. He encouraged me to come to Sonoma County to pursue my dream.'

That dream sparked the creation of the Vineman competition, which in the past quarter-century has grown into several entities, including a fundraising arm to fight cancer, and become a lucrative annual tourist attraction for Sonoma County.

As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving, race director Pugh reflected on the many things for which he is thankful.

'I've been lucky time after time over the years as we made decisions which allowed the races to grow and evolve into what they have become today,' he said. 'And for that luck, and the more than 75,000 athletes who have competed in the Vineman events over the years, I am eternally grateful.'

Pugh knew Sonoma County's picturesque rolling hills, vine-covered scenery and temperate weather would attract triathletes.

'What I didn't foresee, which probably was just as important, was the unique tourism opportunities Sonoma County offered (that) would make the race into a complete event,' he said.

Today, thousands of racers — along with their family and friends — visit Wine Country for a several-day getaway each July, filling hotels, restaurants and shops. The race sells out within minutes, and organizers recently agreed to officially partner with Ironman, the most prestigious name in endurance racing.

While Pugh said the race business and accompanying financial benefits for the area are rewarding, he is even more thankful for the thousands of generous people he has worked with over the years, and with many of whom he has formed lasting friendships.

'It amazes me how an event like the Vineman creates a special atmosphere which fosters a sense of community and accomplishment in both its competitors and volunteers,' he said. 'This is the kind of stuff which is difficult to find in one's everyday life.'

Pugh's parents — who never discouraged him from pursuing such an unusual career goal — moved to Sonoma County in retirement and began working at their son's Vineman events.

Directing the race even brought love into Pugh's life.

He met his wife, Tracey, when she attended a volunteer meeting for course marshals. And one of the couple's early dates included picking up Gatorade cups on the run course, in the dark, on race day.

A couple of years later, the two were married at the Alexander Valley Community Center, which is located at mile 34 on the Vineman bike course.

The couple now have a 14-year-old son, Owen, 'who is obsessed with running and is actually pretty darned fast,' his dad said.

'Somewhere along the line, he learned that if he worked harder and was willing to suffer more than anyone else, he could be a successful runner,' Pugh said. 'I hope as he becomes an adult, he will realize that this approach will work in life, too.'

For all of this, everything that arose from the Vineman dream years ago, Pugh is thankful.

You can reach Staff Writer Lori A. Carter at 521-5470 or lori.carter@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @loriacarter.