WORTH A TRI

For some people, participating in a triathlon is a way to enhance their own physical fitness and take on a competitive challenge. For others, it's also a way to build closer relationships with family and friends.  

TRIWNY.com, the only All-Western New York multi-sport series, was created not just to provide fun and competitive athletic events, but to encourage family activity and make a contribution to the community at large. In addition to the triathlons, TRI.Com now offers Duathlon races as part of the series. 

A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances. Duathlons are similar to triathlons, except that they do not have a swimming component. For someone like me, whose swimming will never evoke comparisons to Michael Phelps, duathlons are a great way to get involved in multi-sport events. It's great to see that there are a few of them to choose from in WNY in 2010. 

The TRIWNY.com series starts on May 29th with the Tiger Duathlon, a  3K run, 15K bike, and then  5K run through Cazenovia Park. The course has been modified to include just one transition area, and the entire bike course will be closed to vehicular traffic. Also, there will be a Tiger Cub Kids Duathlon featuring  a 50-meter run, 1.5 mile bike followed by a 1/4 mile run for children 3 - 12 yrs. The Race will benefit Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School.

The QuakerMan Triathlon / Duathlon will be held on June 27th in Orchard Park.  The Triathlon will feature a 600 Meter swim in Green Lake, 22 mile bike & 4 mile run through the Green Lake development. The Duathlon will consist of a 2-mile run, 22 mile bike, and then a 4-mile run. The QuakerKids Tri will have a 50-meter swim, 1.2-mile bike, and a 400-meter run. The race benefits Orchard Park Recreation Department  and Hospice of W.N.Y.

The Wilson Wet & Wild Triathlon / Duathlon is scheduled for July 31st. The oldest Triathlon will consist of a 600-meter swim, 20-mile bike & 5K run. The  Duathlon will have a 2-mile run, 20-mile  bike & 5K run. Race Day also includes the Master Guru Kids Tri, with a  50-meter swim, 1.5-mile bike, & 400-meter run. Race Benefits Wilson Volunteer Fire Co.

One of the organizers, Dan Horan, explained that TRIWNY.com was started as a small company put together by three couples who wanted to bring a multi-sport series to Western New York. While each person brought a different group of skillsets to the endeavor, they all shared a passion for family. "We stress a family approach to multi-sport racing to help bring families together,"  said Dan.  "Starting children in activities at a young age is proven to help in not only their competitive spirit, but also their socializations skills in being exposed to meeting people and making friends."

One of the ways they encourage family participation is by offering a  "Family Stimulus Incentive Package," which is a 15% discount to a family (minimum 3) that participates in one, or all three series races. Dan says that TRIWNY.com also offers the lowest registration for individuals, relay teams and family.

Dan also pointed out that the series is a way for athletes to make a contribution to others. "I discovered that being an entrepreneur in the field of fitness & multi-sport events was a nice way to give back to the communities in which the races are held,"said Dan.  "Without deep finances, I can act as a 'philanthropist' in regards to donating to good causes."

For more information about the series or any of the individual races go to www.TRIWNY.com.