With more students holing up to study in remote corners of the library every day, a little running, biking and swimming could be the outdoor refresher course many Bearkats need.
The Sam Houston State recreational sports department is hosting the first annual “Just Tri-It” Triathlon on Saturday, May 3 for students, faulty, staff or community members looking to put their physicals limits to the test.
The “Just Tri-It” Triathlon is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. with the 300-meter swim, followed by the 10-mile bike ride and ending with the two-mile run.
According to the Rec. Sports Web site, the purpose of the event is to “allow everyone to participate in a beginners distance triathlon in a non-intimidating environment.”
While mention of a triathlon often conjures images of Ironmen traversing mountains and swimming lakes, the “Just Tri-It” Triathlon is a sprint distance race composed of a 300-meter swim, 10-mile bike ride and 2-mile run.
“There are some misconceptions about triathlons,” SHSU Wellness Grad. Assistant and race coordinator Dustin Joubert said. “Races like the Ironman can have 100-mile bike rides and marathon runs, but ours is a sprint distance race. We just want everyone to get out and try it.”
The race has been designed to fit the needs of all participants, including those who would only like to complete a portion of the race. Those who wish to can form teams of three with each member completing a separate leg of the race, whether it be swimming, biking or running.
In preparation for the race, the rec. sports department began an 8-week clinic in which over 40 people participated. Though registration for the warm-up course has been closed, there is still plenty of time for participants to hit the gym and get ready to race.
“Our goal is to get 100 people signed up,” Joubert said. “We have about 30 to 40 people in clinic already, and we’re going to cap (race attendance) at 100 people.”
Registration for the triathlon closes on Wednesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. The cost for participation is $20 for students ($50 for relay), $25 for faculty/staff ($65 for relay) and $30 for community members ($70 for relay).
Individual participants will be divided into age groups (17 and under, 18-25, 25-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70+) while relays will be divided into men’s, women’s and co-rec. The top overall male and female triathletes will be awarded trophies while the first place finishers in each age group and relay division will receive medals.
For more information, contact Dustin Joubert at (936) 294-3335 or stddpj14@shsu.edu.