SRU campus recreation hosts mini-triathlon

April 15, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - It's been said that just finishing an Ironman Triathlon is a victory. Given that the competition features a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run, who would argue?

However, for the beginning triathletes on and around the Slippery Rock University campus, the Campus Recreation Mini-Triathlon may prove much less daunting.

The ninth annual event will take place at 7:30 a.m., April 24 at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center. It includes a 425-yard swim, 10.5-mile bike ride and 2.5-mile run.

"This is a great race for beginner and experienced triathletes alike," said Andy Loue, assistant director of facility operations and outdoor programming. "The short distance of the race allows new racers to get a feel for transitioning without committing to a more physically demanding race course and the swim taking place in an indoor pool allows the water temperature to be monitored, so that racers get to experience swimming in a race scenario without numerous swimmers in one lane area as we're limiting it to only two swimmers at one time."

Competitor check-in begins at 6 a.m. The event starts at 7:30 a.m.

The swimming portion will be staged in the ARC's 25-yard, indoor pool with two swimmers per lane. The run and bike portions will be conducted on inner-campus roads.

Age groups 8 to 55+ will compete in pre-set brackets. Awards will be presented to the top three athletes in both men's and women's categories in each age group. An award also will be presented for the overall first-place team.

The event will be staged rain or shine.

Individual registration is $25 and team registration, $60.

MEDIA CONTACT: Robb King | 724.738.2199 | robert.king@sru.edu