Volunteer Marc Stallings Dedicates 20 Years to Carlsbad Triathlon

While the 31st annual Carlsbad Triathlon is one of the longest running triathlons in the world, volunteer Marc Stallings has set his own claim-to-fame by being the event's longest volunteer.

In his 20th consecutive year as a volunteer, Stallings will shout words of encouragement while recording the times of racers competing, which is what he has done since he started in 1993.

From the beginning, Stallings said he has enjoyed volunteering at the Carlsbad Triathlon, which he first did the year after he moved to the City of Carlsbad.

"It gives me a good feeling," Stallings said. "After three or four years, I just kept doing it."

Presented by the City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department, the Carlsbad Triathlon begins at , and includes a 1K open-water swim, followed by a 25K bike course and a 5K run, which follows the coastline of Carlsbad, past scenic beaches, lagoons and a wildlife preserve.

Stallings said he will volunteer in "the transition zone" where racers finish the open-water swim in Tamarack Surf Beach and then are officially timed before beginning their 25K bike ride. He will time them again before starting their 5K run.    

When he first started volunteering, Stallings said racers' times were gathered by one volunteer announcing them and another one recording them.

With today's technology, Stallings said his job is now a lot easier. He just makes sure the racers "step with the correct leg on the timing mat."

Stallings, who works in sales management in the computer technology field, said being a timer fits his personality.

"I've always worked in timing," he said. "It's a lot of numbers, and I'm a numbers guy."

Although an athlete, Stallings said he has never competed in the triathlon, and doesn't expect to now.

"I've challenged myself for many years not to volunteer and to take part in the race," he said.  "But after so many years, I don't want to break my streak."

In addition to the Carlsbad Triathlon, Stallings is active in the Carlsbad community.

He is a member of the second team of (CERT), and has volunteered since 2002 for the .

In addition, Stallings volunteered for the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City by serving on the downhill course crew, known as "Team 44," on Snow Basin.

Then, along with members of "Team 44," Stallings spent about five years volunteering at the Bird of Prey Downhill in Beaver Creek, Colo., which is the only World Cup skiing race in the United States.  

When he isn't volunteering, Stallings said he enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Angie, and their children, Jason, Timmy, Kevin and Katie.

Stallings said he has enjoyed being an active part of the City of Carlsbad, and has no plans of stopping his volunteer work any time soon.

"I just like to help out," he said. "The more you help people, the more good things come to you in life."

For information on this weekend's Carlsbad Triathlon, go to carlsbadtriathlon.com.