Optimist Triathlon To Draw Hundreds Saturday To Winona
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE - Bicyclists, runners and swimmers will help raise funds Saturday for Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club youth programs.
The 15th annual Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club Triathlon will be in Winona Lake.
The triathlon was founded by former Optimist member Phil Eherenman in 1993. He died in 2006.
There are approximately 610 people registered for the triathlon, coming from Chicago, Ohio, Michigan, New York and Washington, D.C."Winona Lake appreciates the work the optimists do for the youth in our community," said Winona Lake Town Coordinator Craig Allebach.
There were 594 people who participated in last year's triathlon, according to Triathlon Chairperson Ron Donkers. This is Donker's third year for serving as chairperson.
"The triathlon provides people with an amazing opportunity to participate in a multi-sport event and exercise," Donkers said.
He encourages people to watch the triathlon.
Park Avenue, from 9th Street to Winona Lake Park, will be closed to vehicle traffic Saturday for the triathlon from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Signs are posted alerting traffic of the temporary street closure.
There are different age groups for men and women who will participate in the triathlon, including 15-19, 20-24, 30-34, 45-49, 55-59 and 65-69.
Registration begins at 6 a.m. Saturday at Winona Lake Park.
The race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Winona Lake Park, where participants will swim 1/4 mile in Winona Lake; bike 13.5 miles beginning at Winona Lake Park to Pierceton and back; and run 3.5 miles along the greenway trail.
An awards ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Winona Lake Park, where plaques will be awarded by age group, team winners and weight categories.
A pre-race clinic will be tonight at 7 p.m. at Winona Lake Park. Scott Erba, 2003 triathlon winner, will answer questions and provide tips for Saturday's triathlon.
Tarkio Road and Trailhouse, Winona Lake, will make minor bicycle repairs and have equipment for sale Saturday. There also will be optional bicycle inspections.
For more information about the triathlon, visit warsawoptimist.org
