ROANOKE RAPIDS — Organizers of Saturday’s Tri Roanoke Valley-Sprint Triathlon were worried about breaking even on the number of participants this year.

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Their worries were in vain, race director Gary Medlin said Wednesday as entrees hit the 100 mark. “With the economy it was a concern for us if we were going to surpass last year’s numbers. We’re up 25 percent over last year’s numbers.”

Reaching that number for the second event says something about the event itself, Medlin said, which is drawing participants from Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and other states.

There are also local entrees, Medlin said, which make up about 25 percent of this year’s participants.

Medlin said organizers have worked tirelessly to promote the event, which begins at 8 a.m. at the T.J. Davis Recreation Center. “From triathlon specialty stores, we’re building relations to bring increased awareness of the community.”

That translates into people putting money into businesses, said Lori Medlin, executive director of the Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The ones who come from out of town come the night before.”

And they have plenty of questions, said Gary, who is Lori’s husband. “They want to know restaurant recommendations, things to do and see afterward.”

While the event — a 300-yard swim at the Aquatic Center, a 14.8 mile bike ride offering views of Roanoke Rapids Lake and a 3.1 mile run through residential communities and along the Roanoke River — will bring participant’s family members out, Lori says it is a good opportunity for people in the community to get involved, simply by attending at the start/finish line near the Aquatic Center or watching along the course. “It means so much to them to be cheered on,” she said.

“It’s inspirational,” Gary said, “Meaning the potential to hear the cheer of the crowd at the finish line.”

Since the sportsmanship is being celebrated in this event, awards will not only be given to the top three in each class, but also every participant receives a medal and T-shirt. Every person who crosses the finish line, which has all the sponsors on it, will run through the tape, Gary said. “We’re just trying to bring an original event to the community.”

Because a number of participants are local, preparation for the event has helped the Aquatic Center, local gyms and area athletic shoe stores, Gary said.

The event is being sanctioned by USA Triathlon, which means each participant will be insured.

Police officers will be stationed at each intersection of the route and emergency medical services units on hand. The run and bike race will be marshaled by three motorcyclists.

Gary said he was pleased interest increased since the first event last year. “I personally think the support of our sponsors and volunteers and the efforts of the race directors has helped to bring a first class race to the community.”