McMinnville gets set for annual triathlon
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?This is a great event that comes to our community,? said Parks and Recreation director Carlene Brown. ?Everyone has the chance to get involved whether they are in the race, volunteering or spectating.?
Every year, the competition field grows. Since its humble beginning, the number of participants has more than tripled, going from 80 the first year to 300 last year.
This year promises to be just as competitive as more than 300 people are expected to compete, said Team Magic race coordinator and owner of Team Magic, Inc. Faye Yates, ?I do expect more than that this year.?
Last year, was the first year the race was a qualifier for the Best of the USA Amateur Competition for Tennessee, thanks to Team Magic.
?We are doing that again this year,? said Yates. ?It?s for amateurs only. We have a lot of top-notch men and women trying to get that slot. This is the only place in Tennessee to qualify for that. I think that adds a little atmosphere and extra competition that not all races in the area get.?
Also on the agenda for this race will be relay teams, which can be either family, friends, business or any combination of two or three people. Getting in with the spirit is Parks and Recreation where three employees will be entering as ?The Parks and Recreation Team.?
Entering the water will be pool lifeguard Morgan Gonder; biking will be maintenance and groundskeeper John Austin; running will be maintenance worker Michael Morton.
The race will once again be a 350-meter swim in Gilley Pool, with athletes taking off at approximately three-second intervals. After exiting the pool, bikes are located in the parking lot of the Civic Center. Athletes will then bike for 16.25 miles from Garfield Street to Highway 55, out Vervilla Road, through Engle Road and back onto Highway 55 to the Civic Center. The 3.1-mile run is around the surrounding neighborhood of the Civic Center.
Immediately after the race and before the awards presentation, will be Parks and Recreation?s first Small Fry Tri for ages 2-6. This will be a great opportunity for parents to show off their little athlete and to introduce children to the fun of a race, without competition. Details of the race will be in the next issue of the Southern Standard.
With the races only one week away, volunteers are needed and spectators are encouraged.
Volunteers are needed for traffic control, registration, handing out water and course direction, as well as many other areas. Those who wish to volunteer need to contact McMinnville Civic Center at 473-1212 as soon as possible in order to allow enough time for shirt orders, as everyone who volunteers will receive a free T-shirt.
The finish line seems to be the favorite place for spectators. Lining the course is also very important, as this keeps the morale of the racers high and it shows out-of-town competitors the friendly side of McMinnville.
Anyone with dogs in the area are asked to restrain their animals away from the roadway. Barking dogs will only distract the athletes and could lead to injury.
Registration for the McMinnville City Triathlon can be made online at team-magic.com or at McMinnville Civic Center on Friday, June 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. or on the day of the race from 6 to 7 a.m. For more information call 473-1212.
Although Gilley Pool is closed during the event, it will reopen immediately after the race is over.