Courtesy: USAT

USA Triathlon has settled its lawsuits against Charles Martin and Dakin Ferris, the two men from San Francisco, Calif., involved in the improper selling of an entry into the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

"I am pleased that this suit was settled quickly, and regret that USAT and Mr. Ferris were involved," Martin said in a statement.

Both men accepted one-year suspensions from all USA Triathlon- sanctioned events and agreed to pay USA Triathlon's out-of- pocket court costs.

"USA Triathlon is satisfied with the agreement," said Steve Locke, the organization's executive director. "We are hoping that this incident will make people more aware that it is against our rules to sell a race entry."

USA Triathlon filed its suits against the two men on Aug. 30 in San Francisco Superior Court in response to a suit filed by Martin against Tri-California Events, Inc.

Martin had purchased his race entry to the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon from Ferris and used Ferris' identification to pick up the race packet.

During the race, Martin was hit by a car driven illegally onto the course. Martin went on to sue the driver of the car and Tri- California Events, which produces the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The event is sanctioned and insured by USA Triathlon.

"Had Mr. Martin entered the race properly, his medical costs, over and above what his own health insurance paid, would have been covered by USA Triathlon's insurance," Locke explained. "By entering the race improperly, Mr. Martin had no such coverage.

"Lawsuits like this discourage insurance companies from becoming involved in our sport."