By Mary Owen
Want to know more about running a triathlon?
Designed to prepare runners for its upcoming Sprint Triathlon, the city of Stayton plans to take the mystery out of racing at its free Triathlon 101 information workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9 at the Stayton Family Memorial Pool.
“Tri training will also start in March,” said Alissa Angelo, deputy city recorder for Stayton. “Registered racers are eligible for eight weeks of free training at the pool and Stayton’s Anytime Fitness.
“We are also changing things up this year and hoping to recruit local schools to put together teams,” Angelo said. “Sort of a staff versus students challenge.”
Mike Reding, business services and marketing supervisor for Stayton Cooperative Telephone Co., puts the challenge out to Regis and Stayton high schools.
“How about the football team challenging the basketball, wrestling, baseball, soccer and other teams?” he suggested. “How about local businesses fielding teams and challenging others? This could really be a lot of fun.”
This is SCTC’s third year as a platinum sponsor for the Sprint Triathlon, held May 18, starting at 8 a.m. at the pool. The event will once again feature chip timing and will only be open to 225 participants, ages 12 and up.
“SCTC is dedicated to serving out community and doing everything we can to promote the livability of the communities we serve,” Reding said. “This athletic event is a fantastic way to get people to come to Stayton and see what a great place this is to live.”
SCTC CEO Don Lawrence added, “This is an event that promotes exercise and health. We’ve got to promote that!”
Walt Walker, a financial advisor with sponsor Edward Jones, participates in triathlons because “they’re fun!”
“They keep me motivated in my training and workouts, and I like the competition,” said Walker, who has been participating in triathlons since 2005, competing in 21 of various lengths and distances over the years.
Walker, who sponsors the event as a means of giving back to his community while helping the city’s pool, is moved by the scenic beauty of the areas of Oregon and Washington in which he has competed.
“Whether you’re on your bike riding through the Willamette Valley or running around the campus at OSU, it’s special to be outdoors and take in the views,” he said.
Walker encourages people of all ages and experience levels to participate in the Sprint Triathlon, which consists of a 500m pool swim, 22k easy loop bike course, and a 5k flat course run. Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall winners and the top three male, female and coed overall relay teams.
“Exercise is so important for our health,” he said. “You have to make it a priority and make it fun. There is lots of information on the Internet for people wanting to get started.”
And, of course, Triathlon 101, Angelo reminds potential participants.
To sign up for the Sprint Triathlon, visit . Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. No registration or swim time changes will be allowed after 5 p.m. on May 8, and there will be no race day sign-ups.
Race entry fees include a commemorative 100 percent cotton T-shirt, ChampionChip Timing, a goody bag and food. Fees are: individual, $45; three-person team, $30 per person; two-person team, $35 per person.
For more information on the Triathlon 101 workshop, visit the city’s website at www.staytonoregon.gov.
For information on either event, call Angelo at 503-769-2919.
