UPDATE: We did it!! Many thanks to each and everyone of you who donated. Erica will soon be registering for Ironman, California, because of this amazing triathlon community coming together! What great motivation it will be for her to think of each of you as she makes her way through the many miles of the race.

If you haven't had the chance to donate, but you would like to, please continue to do so. As we all know, triathlon is an expensive sport and it costs more than the entry fee to get oneself to the start line. Thank you all!

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If you've raced a triathlon on the West Coast, it's likely that you know Erica Knauff. If you know Erica Knauff, it's likely that you have found her to be one of the most welcoming, encouraging, gracious, and supportive triathletes you have ever met. Erica has made a significant contribution to the triathlon and Ironman community through her race recon posts and group course preview swims and rides. She goes above and beyond to help strangers and friends feel comfortable, prepared, and part of a community.

Erica would love to participate in the 2025 Ironman California event, but cannot because of the financial burden it would create for her and her three children. Let's take this opportunity to give back to Erica for all that she has given us. I encourage you to provide a monetary thank you if you have ever read Erica's informative posts about a race, participated in one of her many group preview rides or swims, or simply benefited from her encouragement. Erica's cheery and supportive spirit has reached triathletes far and wide. I can't wait to see how this community comes together from near and far to support and uplift her.

(FYI - I'm a local to Sacramento, a fellow triathlete and former Ironman CA participant, and friend of Erica's. I got the idea to put this together during a recent swim and run when Erica told me about all the things she was doing to help people prepare for Ironman CA, but she wasn't able to do it because of the cost. Erica is the most positive person I have ever met, but I sensed a bit of sadness in her voice when she said it. She quickly put a positive spin on it, but that's when I decided to create this GoFundMe. Wouldn't a crowd-supported free entry be the perfect positive spin? Please help. Any amount makes a difference!