All Out Events, the original architects behind the Morro Bay Triathlon, is proud to have guided the event’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings as a local fundraiser in 2010 to becoming an internationally acclaimed competition.
Thanks to unwavering support from the triathlon community, local businesses, and residents, this event has not only become a cornerstone of the central coast’s sporting calendar and one of the last standing independent triathlons produced in California. We are proud of the contributions made to local causes, including the Morro Bay Estuary, Morro Bay Bike Park, and the Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers, among others.
As we turn the page, we’re thrilled to announce the new custodians of this legacy, Jonathan Harmse and Phillip Toriello. Both Jonathan and Phillip bring a wealth of experience and passion for endurance racing, deeply rooted in the central coast’s unique landscape and community.
Meet the New Guardians of the Morro Bay Triathlon
- Jonathan Harmse, a name synonymous with endurance racing and community coaching, has been a beacon for aspiring athletes on the central coast. His journey began at Cal Poly, leading him to excel in triathlons across various distances and contribute significantly to the local racing scene, including outstanding performances in local triathlons and contributing to the Cal Poly Triathlon team’s success. He has led our athlete clinics and briefings for most of the years of the Morro Bay tri, so if you are returning, you probably know him.
- Phillip Toriello brings his ocean-recreation experience in developing young athletes through the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program. Since moving to the central coast in 1998, Phillip has been a fixture in the local athletic and outdoor community, promoting a love for the ocean, racing, and the unparalleled beauty of our region.
Join Us in Celebrating a New Chapter
As we bid farewell to All Out Events’ leadership, we invite you to join us in welcoming Jonathan and Phillip. Their dedication to the sport and community promises to elevate the Morro Bay Triathlon to new heights.
The 2024 Morro Bay Triathlon, scheduled for November 3rd, marks the beginning of this exciting new era. Register now to help continue the legacy of this extraordinary event and experience it under committed new leadership.
Register Today: Morro Bay Triathlon 2024 Registration
Thank you for your continued support. Here’s to new adventures, enduring friendships, race prs, and another chapter in the storied history of the Morro Bay Triathlon.
With heartfelt gratitude,
All Out Events Team
Jon Harmse is an endurance racing enthusiast. Growing up swimming and playing water polo, in 2008, while attending Cal Poly, he was talked into racing the triathlon at Wildflower and never stopped. He raced collegiately for a couple of years and post college went on to get his USAT coaching certification. He coached the Cal Poly Triathlon team for four years, culminating in a collegiate conference championship in 2018. He has raced all distances from sprint to full Ironman and has raced and podiumed in a lot of the local races, including Scott Tinley’s, SLO Tri and the Morro Bay Tri. In 2015 he joined the Port San Luis Harbor District Lifeguarding team and in 2018 started working as an instructor with the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program.
When not on the beach or coaching young aspiring triathletes, he can usually be found with his wife riding their horses, camping with their dogs, or just enjoying the amazing food and wine we have here on the central coast.
Phillip Toriello is an outdoor-ocean racing enthusiast that has lived on the Central Coast since 1998. Following his adventures in Hawai’i (biathlons and surfing), Phillip relocated to San Luis Obispo in 98′ where he raced competitively as a swimmer at Cuesta College for two years. In 1999 Phillip joined the Port San Luis Harbor District Lifeguarding team. In 2001, Phillip helped Russ Edwards establish the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program, with a mere 28 Junior Lifeguards. Since that time, the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program has grown to be the largest and most sought after Junior Lifeguard program on the Central Coast. In 2023, Phillip and Jon Harmse were appointed Co-Directors of the Avila Beach Junior Lifeguard Program. Their mission, to continue providing an incomparable summer experience for each and every Junior Lifeguard.
When not lifeguarding, running Sylvan Learning, or racing, you will find Phillip seeking outdoor adventures and amazing food with his son.
