If no one steps up to assume the Bob McIntosh Squamish Triathlon race director role by Oct. 19, the event of 13 years held in memory of the local triathlete will be cancelled.
"The triathlon was conceived as a community event to celebrate his [McIntosh's] life," said Peter Hotston, the race director since the inaugural event.
If the triathlon disappears, so does the Robert W. McIntosh Scholarship Fund created to assist Squamish students who have demonstrated abilities in academics, athletics and citizenship.
"I really want the event to continue for a number of reasons, but I don't want to lead it anymore and if no one steps forward, it will be cancelled," said Hotston.
To keep the Squamish Triathlon and the memory of Bob McIntosh alive, the committee is looking for someone to replace Hotston and step into the race director role.
Each year the net proceeds of the triathlon are donated to the fund, which has awarded more than $23,000 to students over the years.
Graham Schulz, who has been on the triathlon committee for the past four years, said it would be a terrible loss but the committee felt they couldn't move forward without a head of state.
"To his [Hotston's] credit, he's put so many years in and it's just healthy to have turnover," said Schulz. "You can't rely on someone to do something forever."
He said short of a new individual stepping up to fulfill the role as race director, the executive decided the race couldn't proceed.
McIntosh had a passion for triathlons, and he competed across Canada and the Western United States. One of his dreams was to one day host a triathlon in Squamish so after his death, the community took it upon themselves to make that wish come true.
McIntosh's close friend Richard Cudmore has participated in the triathlon every year since it began. He said he would be very disappointed if the event was cancelled.
"I think it would be sad if it was unable to go forward," he said. "There's no question the committee has done an outstanding job over the last 13 years of putting this together, but it is a lot of work and it's time for other people to come in and try to help with the organization.
"I think the triathlon has been good as an outlet for the memory of Bob McIntosh but also, the scholarships have been useful from the high school's point of view and a lot of people have been introduced to the sport - it's been particularly successful with people getting involved with the relay teams."
Hotston is hoping a younger individual might want to try their hand at the position.
"I'm 65 years old now and the future's not with me - having turnover is good for an event and a younger perspective might be good," he said.
Schulz and Hotston acknowledged someone might feel intimidated joining such a well-run and experienced committee, but Schulz said that shouldn't deter anyone.
"Anyone who was willing to take on the role would be met with a huge amount of support and a lot of help from everyone," he said.
"Most of the duties and responsibilities are already set but we need someone to go between the groups and someone to report to."
Hotston said the position is very much a leadership role and generally involves setting an agenda and running meetings.
Throughout the year, the committee meets about once a month, twice in June and it does become almost a full time job about two weeks before the event, normally scheduled in early July.
"Knowledge and a passion for endurance sports and triathlons would be an asset but not essential," said Hotston. "I believe that in a community like ours, which is so strong in volunteer support, that someone will come forward."
Cudmore is also hopeful someone "will come forward out of the woodwork."
"We do have a variety of interesting and talented people that have moved to this area and somebody we don't know may well be interested in getting involved," he said.
"So let's hope so."
