With registration for the long course still open, perhaps this is the year to participate in the 13th annual Waupaca Area Triathlon.
This year’s event – a half-mile swim in Shadow Lake, a 20-mile bicycle ride and 3.1-mile run – will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Waupaca’s South Park.
The triathlon draws more than 1,200 athletes to the area, according to Terri Schulz of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the event.
Participants receive a free T-shirt, as well as admission to a potato bake Friday, Aug. 16, in the South Park lower pavilion.
“This well-run and popular event works hard to keep you safe by offering course talks, bike checks and having ample volunteers for information and officiating,” said Kerri Thiel, a member of the triathlon’s board of directors. “An awards ceremony will take place at the end of the race, with awards given to the first-, second- and third-place finishers for women and men in the long and short course and also for the top three male, female and coed relay teams. The short course (1/4-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 2-mile run) is capped, but you can still be put on the waiting list.”
In addition to the triathlon, a mini-triathlon for kids is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at South Park.
“Event distances vary with the 4- to 10-year-old age categories,” Thiel said. “New this year in the age 9-10 group is the option of a 200-yard swim in deep water. This category has been frequently requested over the years and will be a good addition. Every kid will receive a participation ribbon and a fun experience.”
More information on the triathlon can be found at www.WaupacaAreaTriathlon.com or by calling the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce office at 715-258-7343 or 888-417-4040.