The 13th Annual YMCA/Copps Triathlon, will be held Saturday, July 14, at Bukolt Park in Stevens Point. The competition will feature short and long course races, individual and team entries, and a KidsTri.
Adult participants can choose from a short or long course event. The short course includes a .5-mile swim, a 3.5-mile bike and 3.1-mile run. The long course consists of a .5-mile swim, 25-mile bike and 6.2-mile run. Participants can also enter as a team for the long course event.
The races are professionally timed and proceed in waves of 50 participants. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each age category and the team category.
The KidsTri is a triathlon just for children ages 7-14. This event is made up of two divisions, the Kid's Senior Division, for ages 11-14 and the Kid's Junior Division, for ages 7-10.
The Kid's Senior event consists of a 250-yard swim, 6-mile bike and a 1.2-mile run. The Kid's Junior Division consists of a 150-yard swim, 3-mile bike and a 1.2-mile run. The KidsTri will also proceed in waves no larger than 25 participants.
The race will also host the Wisconsin Senior Olympics. This is the triathlon event that qualifies Wisconsin athletes ages 50 and over for The 2001 Summer National Senior Games.
Race day begins at 9 a.m. with the start of the long course participants. The short course participants follow and the KidsTri starts at 10 a.m.
All race participants receive a commemorative T-shirt on the day of the race and are eligible for door prizes given during the festivities after the competition. After the race there will be music, food and beverages and an awards ceremony.
All proceeds from the triathlon support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, an annual fund-raiser that allows the YMCA to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who would otherwise be unable to afford YMCA membership or programs.
Contact the Stevens Point Area YMCA for more information or for registration materials at 342-2980. Register by Friday, July 6, to avoid a late fee. On-line registration is also available at www.midwestevents.com.