Pacific Grove Triathlon spurs local economy

The Pacific Grove Triathlon brings in athletes from all over the world, and that means big money for local businesses.

More than 1,300 athletes along with their supporters come from as far as China and Italy to compete, and they all need a place to stay and eat.

“We get up at 3 in the morning. I cook soup until about 2 o’clock in the morning. It’s all worth it,” said local business owner Paula Bertolino.

Bertolino and her husband run a small burger stand right on the beach. She said as kids head back to the school, the tourism season starts to slow down.

“Our business has gone down from 100 percent to maybe a quarter of what we were getting,” said Bertolino.

But this event is a big boost. Bertolino said this weekend is the last of their good summer business.

“With this big day we save for our winter months because we still have to pay rent,” said Bertolino.

Along with food, these strong competitors also need a place to rest.

“It’s a good event at a slower time,” said motel office manager Frank Shoemaker.

Shoemaker works at Borg’s Ocean Front Motel; guests here have a front row seat to all the action.

“About six months out we have a lot of repeat guests who know the procedure and like to stay here because of our location,” said Shoemaker.

Not only is the triathlon good for business but the event also gives back to the community. About 20 percent of the registration funds is donated to “Team Red, White and Blue” Monterey chapter. The RWB is an organization that serves the men and women of the U.S. military.