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"It’s incredible. We just sold out last week," said Jeff Henderson, director of the Musselman Triathlon Race.

Henderson said since the triathlon started in 2004, the organizing committee has followed a philosophy of intelligent growth.

"Each year, we set the limit a little higher than the year before. So we’ve been able to grow from 550 people the first year, to 900, to 1000, to 1100. Last year, we were up to 1900 and this year we decided to go up to 2000,” he said.

That number of participants makes Musselman one of the 50 largest races in the country.

Adding a micro-Mussel super sprint race, and mini-Mussel race for kids to the half-Ironman earned the triathlon the title of 'Most Family Friendly Race in the Country' in Triathlete Magazine two years in a row.

Henderson believes positive past experiences and the national exposure attracted more athletes from across the country. This July 15th through the 17th 38 states and Ireland will be represented.

"Most people who come to the Musselman have never been to Geneva before and a lot of them have never been to the Finger Lakes region. So, if they’re not a local, they’re blown away the beauty here, by the scenery, by the friendly people. We have two miles of uninterrupted park on the end of this lake, it’s undeveloped and you don’t see that across the country anymore," said Henderson.

Henderson plans to keep the Musselman right around 2000 participants. The biggest limiting factor he said is finding visitors a place to stay. More than 400 dorm spots on the Hobart and William Smith campus are already filled. So are area hotels and most bed and breakfasts.

"Sometimes these are good problems,” Brian Nicholson, President of Red Jacket Orchards said, "I mean we got a brand new Microtel hotel in Geneva with, I think, 140 beds. So if all of a sudden that's not enough, that is economic development… And then there’s the halo effect that goes with that. When they leave, if they had a good time and we were good hosts, as a community, they come back, and typically they're bringing more people with them."

Nicholson takes part in the Musselman. Red Jacket Orchards is also a longtime sponsor.

Nicholson's experienced first hand the benefits 2,000 athletes and their families bring to town.

"Not only is it just commerce and all that, there's just a vibe and a spirit that comes with the event that makes us all a lot healthier for it and happier," Nicholson said.

"I think the biggest impact is one of pride in Geneva,” said Henderson, “We take for granted this lakefront. We take for granted this park that goes on and on, and we take for granted a thriving downtown and I think when people come from out of town and see that and talk about it, it just helps the city’s self esteem."

Musselman Triathlon

Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce

Red Jacket Orchards