Registration is now open for the 25th annual Whidbey Island Triathlon.
After a challenging year during which the event was converted to a Virtual Triathlon, the real-life sweat and muscle strain will be back July 31, according to a press release from the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District.
The Whidbey Island Triathlon, staged in the heart of South Whidbey, attracts all ages and abilities and is open to individual participants as well as relay team competitions. It is popular in the Northwest as a first-time challenge for novice and rookie triathletes.
“The swim-bike-run course starts with a half-mile swim in beautiful, clean and clear Goss Lake,” Parks and Rec reported. “Leaving the lake on bike, participants begin the 19-mile ride along tree-lined country roads. The bike course is hilly with views of Saratoga Passage and the North Cascades. Athletes finish with a 3.75 mile run on the lovely groomed forest trails at Community Park and the Sports Complex.”
Organizers encourage those new to triathlons to test the waters by gathering a relay team. Many beginners are intimidated by the swim, so the South Whidbey Parks & Aquatics Foundation is providing open water swim clinics this summer. Details can be found online at swparks.org/event/7634.
The competition includes age group categories, as well as “King Salmon” (men 220+ pounds and women 165+ pounds) and relay team divisions. Participants must be 16 years of age or older on race day or those younger can try attempting special permission to participate four weeks in advance from the race director.
The triathlon leans heavily on volunteer support to maintain a quality event.
“Over the course of two days, we will need to fill over 100 volunteer positions, from trail marshals to clean-up crew,” the release says. “Athletes look to volunteers for encouragement, assistance and support.”
Those interested in volunteering can sign up at signup.com/go/HowfKDj.
For questions, contact South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District at 360-221-6788 or programs@whidbey.com.
