Hundreds try annual event

WASILLA – While some were probably just waking up Saturday morning, more than 750 racers participated in the Why Not Tri triathlon, which took place around Wasilla High School.

The adult side of the competition is called a sprint triathlon, which entails a 400-meter swim, a 9.5-mile bike race and a 5-kilometer run. There are also two triathlons for kids age 6-12. The shorter version of the kids’ race features a one-lap swim, 2 miles on a bike and a 1-mile foot race. The longer version of the preteen competition adds one lap in the pool, one mile cycling and a half-mile run.

People from all over Alaska came to participate in Why Not Tri. Some racers called Fairbanks home, while others hailed from the Kenai Peninsula. Utah, Florida, Oregon, California and New Mexico were also represented in the event.

As the name indicates, Why Not Tri is a competition aimed at getting beginners involved in triathlon racing. The sprint format and kids’ races are favorable for athletes who have never participated in a triathlon before. Teams can also participate in Why Not Tri. This year’s race consisted of 27 teams and 484 solo competitors.

“It is mainly for beginners,” said Why Not Tri director and head organizer Robin Rice. “Why not try something new?”

Although the competition attracts lots of newcomers, seasoned and intermediate triathlon racers also compete in Why Not Tri. The list of participants also featured an impressive range of ages. The youngest competitors were 6, while septuagenarians represented the oldest group of racers.

When Isaiah Dawkins, 19, of Wasilla, came across the finish line, he had completed his first triathlon.

“It was something to get me into shape. I go to college and play football,” Dawkins said. “It’s a cool event … it was a good race.”

Why Not Tri started in 2009 with three causes in mind, to engage novice triathletes, raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and establish a triathlon in Wasilla. Now in its sixth year, the directors and organizers of the race can be sure that it has accomplished those original goals.

“Every year we earn about $10,000 for ALS,” Rice said. “The first year we had 200 racers, and now we have 750.”

Rice started Why Not Tri in memory of her brother, who died of ALS, a disease of the nervous system that progressively weakens muscle function, the year of the competition’s inception. It has since grown in popularity and status. Not only has the number of participants increased, but the event now also features vendors, and the race has a 14-member board of directors.

Edge Fitness, Juice Plus, Mary & Martha, Scentsy, Isagenix, The Alaska Club and Denali Crossfit had booths at the finish line next to food vendors Aloha Shave Ice, House of Bread and Coral Cafe. Many of these businesses are also major sponsors for Why Not Tri. Alaska Bicycle Center donated bikes for kids, and First Choice Physical Therapy sponsored water bottles for the race.

Why Not Tri also benefited this year from the help of 125 volunteers, who helped direct traffic, count laps in the pool, and guide racers on the course and through transitions.

Tauna Norman, 23, of Big Lake, returned for her third Why Not Tri on Saturday. She competes with coworkers from Primrose Retirement Communities.

“We try to get a group to do it, it’s just a good team-building experience,” Norman said. “It’s not as difficult as you think – it’s a lot of fun and it’s not too competitive.”

To learn more about Why Not Tri or to register for next year’s race, visit whynottriwasilla.net

Contact Kaden Weaver at 352-2270 or kaden.weaver@frontiersman.com