Just “tri” it

Times Reporter       

 

Registration is now open for the fourth annual Tri-Smore Triathlon, taking place on June 21. Organizer Nikola Johnson says that the event is more than just the s’more bar you receive at the finish line.

“The feedback we get from people is that it’s fun, it’s family-oriented, and it’s organized well,” she said. “They just love coming because it’s a good atmosphere. We’re all about getting active and participating – it’s as competitive as you want it to be.”

Four hundred and thirty racers attended in 2013; more were registered, but roughly 15 per cent of them were affected by the Alberta floods. That aside, numbers for the event have increased each year, with entries ranging from 4-years-old up to those in their 60’s.

“It’s empowering. You’ll feel accomplished after you’re done,” Johnson said.

The Full Smore for adults is 20 lengths in the pool, a 20 km bike, and a 5 km run. For ages 13-17 it is exactly half, and for the under-13 category, it’s exactly a quarter. The 2-Bite Smore (ages 8 and under) will complete one length, cycle 0.8 km, and jog 0.25 km.

“This is a great triathlon to just try because we try to remove all the barriers. If your swimming is not your forte, we don’t care if you do backstroke or breaststroke. We don’t care if you ride a tricycle or don’t run the full 5 km – you can walk, nobody is going to pull you off the course,” Johnson said. “Just do it.”

Johnson will take registration entries up until the day before the race, but for the correct shirt size, she wishes to have participants entered by June 8. The committee is also looking for roughly 60 volunteers.

“If you feel a little intimidated to do it, come check it out from the volunteer side and we’d be happy to have you,” Johnson said.

Go to www.tri-smore.com for details.