Association News

Farewell to Paul Banta

Author: Tina Wilmott

Date: 07/31/2012

It is with great sadness that we say farewell to our friend and colleague Paul Banta. Paul passed away on Friday, July 27 after a long battle with cancer.

As the organization’s General Manager, Paul was instrumental in the growth of Triathlon Business International. In addition to managing membership and sponsorship, Paul is credited for the success of both our annual conferences and Triathlon Business International’s presence at the upcoming Interbike show, and was working diligently until the end to prepare for our 2013 conference. Many of our board members had the opportunity to speak with Paul in his final days, and even then, his enthusiasm and passion for the endurance sports industry was obvious.

“Paul was a part of Triathlon America from the beginnings of our formation in 2010,” said Jack Caress, President of Triathlon Business International. “His guidance helped us in developing the structure and properties which led to the first industry group for the sport of triathlon and now our evolution to Triathlon Business International. I and we, as an organization, have great respect for Paul and his leadership. He will truly be missed.  Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.”

A nearly 30 year veteran in the industry, Paul was the editor-in-chief of Endurance Sports Business News, a popular weekly newsletter for the endurance sports industry that will continue to be published by his son Tommy Banta. Prior to joining Triathlon Business International, Paul managed membership and promotions for eight years for Running USA, the trade organization for the running industry.

Paul’s experience in the sport of road running and track & field was wide ranging. Paul directed the nation's largest 10-mile race, the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, DC, for three years during which time the race doubled in size. He created and managed the adidas Oregon Track Classic, and co-founded and managed Oregon International Athletics, one of the nation's top clubs with 26 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers in 1992.  He also led European competition tours and directed the Eugene Indoor, Brathwaite Memorial, and Oregon Indoor track meets. His support and passion of endurance sports will be felt for many years to come.

Paul was married to his wife Judy for 28 years and has three sons, Christopher, Tommy and Peter. Friends and colleagues may make a donation in Paul's name to the Melanoma Research Foundation at www.melanoma.org or the Lake Oswego School District Foundation atwww.losdfoundation.org.

Paul, you will be sorely missed, but your memory will live on in our hearts and minds.