Founded in 1997 by Janet Boylan after observing new triathletes struggle during the first Santa Rosa Island Triathlon, the Mere Mortals program started as a free training group to help beginners prepare for their first race. What began with 20-30 people meeting on Pensacola Beach to work through swimming, biking, and running drills—culminating in full-distance practice races on the actual SRI Tri course—has grown into a well-organized program now managed by Tri Gulf Coast, regularly welcoming over 200 members.