The Drumheller Dinosaur Trail Triathlon is marking five years and registration appears to be growing.
The home grown sporting event is coming up June 4, and features a sprint race and an Olympic distance triathlon. Organizer Morgan Syvertsen says registration appears strong. “There are more people signed by this date than there were last year,” said Syvertsen. “There are also many who have said ‘put me down,’ but have not sent in their registration yet.”
“Every year it is 30 to 50 per cent bigger and almost half of the people signed up are from out of town, and we are getting up to 20 new visits a day on our Facebook page.”
The race is very accessible. Syvertsen says the sprint distance features a 750-metre swim (30 lengths) a 20k cycle and a 5k run.
“For most people the swim is the challenging part, anyone can fall off a bike, and the 5k run isn’t that bad,” he said
He adds that many take on the course in teams treating it as a relay.
“That is probably the best way to start, find someone who is a swimmer, a rider and a runner,” said Syvertsen. “It’s the excitement that is so contagious. We are losing our volunteers from last year because they want to do the race this year.”
The race is affordable. All the equipment needed is a bathing suit, running gear and a safe roadworthy bike.
“Any bike will do. People have carbon fiber race bikes, then some have mountain bikes, and this year I know one who is bringing a cruiser bike.”
The Olympic sized triathlon includes a 1,500m swim, a 40k cycle and a 10k run. Morgan expects some good competition.
“It is going to be a fun event, it isn’t a high intensity race, though I am sure there is going to be some serious competition. I know there are four guys gunning for the top in the Olympic race,” he chuckles
The race will be held Saturday, June 4, and there is plenty of time to register and get training. To register email drumhellertriathlon@gmail.com, or check out the “Drumheller Dinosaur Trail Triathlon” Facebook page for more information.
