The Man Behind the PTO Tour

We are fast-approaching the first of the PTO's attempts to move from solely focused on professional triathlon and go to the masses with the PTO Tour series of events. We're two weeks away from the PTO Canadian Open, held in Edmonton. The man pulling the strings behind the scenes is Executive Director Patrick Byerly (seen above running the Boston Marathon with 2014 Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi). A long-time events industry veteran, he's putting his expertise to the test and coordinating with local producers to build the tour.

Slowtwitch.com: Thanks for the time, Patrick. First and foremost — can you introduce yourself?

Patrick Byerly: I am an athlete at heart. I love endurance events whether producing, participating, or just watching as a fan.

ST: Can you talk a little bit more about your background in event production?

Byerly: I am someone that is passionate about endurance sporting events as an “athlete” myself. I have produced events almost my entire career and fortunate to work for some of the greatest events not only in the US but around the world. I do not have a masters degree, but I say that I received it from New York Road Runners by working on so many events per year plus the TCS New York City Marathon.

After NYRR, I went to work for the Los Angeles Marathon where I was responsible for marketing, sponsorship, registration, broadcast, etc. I then went to the BMW Dallas Marathon as the president which I grew attending and working an aid station, so it had a very special place in my heart and still does. Competitor Group was the next step as the SVP of Global Events which at the time include Tri Rock (Nations Tri, Philadelphia Triathlon), Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series and a few other events. After the sale to Ironman, I joined Motiv Sports as the EVP of Global Events which include over 20 events around the world including Malibu Triathlon and Sydney Marathon. I am extremely excited about joining PTO and creating best in class triathlons around the world.

ST: What drew you to the concept of putting on PTO Tour events?

Byerly: While at Motiv in 2018, I was first introduced to PTO by Charles (Adamo, executive chairman of the PTO). At the time I was very intrigued and new at the right moment I wanted to be part of the team that created the events. I recognized that this was going to be unique and different from other events and organizations by focusing first and foremost on the athlete. This drives our thought process on all aspects of the event, from the athlete swag to crossing the finish line.

ST: There's never been a PTO Tour event. What should the average age grouper expect for an event experience? How is it different from other triathlon events?

Byerly: The average age grouper should expect the same as the elite age grouper as well as the back of the pack athlete. The event experience starts the moment they register for the race and continues till the moment they receive their race results. The athlete swag must be some of the best from any race in the world and is valued well over $200. Each athlete will receive a backpack, Pressio race shirt, water bottles, towel, race belt and free race photos. The race day experience obviously is what matter most. We are limiting the total number of athletes so we can ensure every athlete has an incredible experience from the moment they enter the water till they cross the finish line.

ST: One of the draws for some triathletes in the past has been being able to compete on the same field as the pros on the same day. That's not the case at a PTO Tour event. Is that a good thing, a bad thing, or just different?

Byerly: We view it as a great experience for both the pros and the age groupers. The pro course is designed for maximum viewership for those watching in person which also creates the excitement. The age groupers are the most passionate fans of the sport, so they help create the atmosphere for the pros. The age grouper can watch 2 days of racing and compete on almost the same course as the pros which is not possible for any other race where the pros are racing. Normally the age grouper must hear who won the race after the race is finished. This way they have the option to experience it first hand!

ST: Most importantly — Slowtwitchers tend to be early adopters when it comes to technology, but less so on event experiences. Why should someone take a chance on a first year event, that's never been seen before?

Byerly: Yes, technically each of the 3 events are in their first year. Our model is not to be the event delivery partner ourselves instead tapping into local expertise. We have strategically partnered with great organizations for all 3 events that each have held events at the same location, and we are applying best practices that they have already learned from previous events. This is extremely valuable. For example, Challenge Family is our partner with Collins Cup, and they have held an event at the same venue for several years and this year I was able to attend during the race. The Challenge Family event is obviously not the same distance, but it gives us the same knowledge that it is like we held our own event and can make enhancements to ensure the Collins Cup for age groupers is the best possible experience. DoNorth is our partner for the Canadian Open who has over 20 years of experience with World Triathlon and the US Open our partner is USA Triathlon which has an extremely experienced team. These partners in addition to our internal team have collectively produced hundreds (if not a thousand) of world class events.

You may register or find out more information about the PTO Tour events here.

PTO Tour Dates
Canadian Open – Edmonton: July 23-24
Collins Cup – Samorin: August 20-21
US Open – Dallas: September 17-18

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