If you’re considering signing up for the Cyswog ‘n’ Fun triathlon, now is the time to do it.
Early bird registration — and the opportunity to save some money on entry fees — for the race ends this weekend. The event itself will be held on Sunday, August 4.
Race director Larry Bickerton said he hopes to see some new faces crossing the finish line at Lakeside Park next month.
“We’ve always catered more to novice athletes, with our unusual race categories,” Bickerton said, referring to the two- and three-person relay teams that are welcome to take part in the event. “It’s great when you see families and friends taking on the challenge together.”
Usually triathlons are reserved for individual participants who race through all three legs of the event themselves — swimming, biking, and running. But with a relay team, each member takes one or two sections.
Bickerton said that’s a good option for anyone who wants to be a part of the event, but doesn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to training.
There are two race distances: the Sprint course with a 500 metre swim, 22 kilometre bike and a five kilometre run; and the Olympic course where the swim distance is tripled and the bike and run are twice as long.
This year the Sprint swimmers will follow a shorter version of the single-loop, triangular course used for the Olympic event — rather than swimming two laps of a rectangle. This will make for a faster swim because there will be fewer corners to navigate, according to Bickerton.
“It’s also safer and easier to patrol,” he added.
The Olympic course will remain the same as last year. Start times will be staggered with Sprint competitors starting ten minutes after the Olympic race starts.
Bickerton said the buoys that mark the swim routes will be set up this weekend.
“By next week you’ll be able to start practicing the actual route,” he suggested, noting the water temperature is currently 15 C and rising.
“It’s good to get used to swimming in cold water — with a wetsuit on, preferably.”
Cyswog organizers recently started a Facebook page for the event, where participants are encouraged to connect with swim buddies and look for teammates.
Find it by typing “Cyswog‘n’fun” into the Facebook search bar.
To register at the early bird rate in-person, go to Gerick’s Cycle before Saturday at 5:30 p.m. or sign-up online at nelsontri.com before 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Prices go up first thing Monday morning.