Big Lake Triathlon slated for Sunday

Frontiersman

BIG LAKE — The Big Lake Chamber of Commerce is set to host the ninth-annual Big Lake Triathlon on Sunday.

On Thursday, race director Kathleen Cole said the event is breaking records in regard to the number of participants who have already registered. At least 50 have signed up as of Thursday, and Cole expects to top the 70-athlete mark.

“For our little triathlon, that’s great,” Cole said. “The weather’s looking good. We’re expecting a ton more people to sign up on Sunday morning.”

The event, which starts Sunday at 11 a.m. at the North Shore Recreation Area on Big Lake, features a 900-meter swim, 25-kilometer bike ride and 5-K run.

Those interested can register at 10 a.m.

While that’s fairly typical for an average triathlon, the Big Lake event has something that sets it apart.

“The unique thing is the 900-meter swim is in open water in the lake,” Cole said.

The event starts with ever participants storming Big Lake for the swim.

“The mass start is a little chaotic, but it really does make it pretty fun,” Cole said.

Once participants are done with the swim, athletes trade their wet suits for their bicycles and begin the 25-K bike ride.

That portion of the event starts at the North Shore Recreation Area, where participants head toward Big Lake Road and the Parks Highway. The bike leg continues with stretches on Johnson Road and Hollywood Road.

Participants ditch the bicycles in the East Lake Mall Parking lot to start the 5-K run, which sends competitors down Big Lake Road for 1.5 miles and back.

The cost to participate is $55. Those who are not a member of USA Triathlon are required to pay a $10 membership, Cole said.

Participants can also register as part of a three-person team for $115.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. Sunday.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.