Registration open for Christmas triathlon

PALMER — For nearly a decade, local triathletes have proven that a triathlon can be held in the winter.

On Dec. 9 a brave group of eager athletes will gather in Palmer for the eighth annual Colony Christmas Triathlon.

The race — an event that features a 10-kilometer bike ride, a 5-K run and a 500-meter swim in the Palmer Pool — is slated to start at 11 a.m. at Peak Fitness in Palmer.

Those interested in participating in the event can find a downloadable registration form on the Palmer Chamber of Commerce Web site, www.palmerchamber

.org/visiting/annual_events.php.

Organizers are also hosting a pair of registration dates. Triathletes can register on Friday from 5-6 p.m. at the Palmer Depot or at Peak Fitness from 9-10:30 a.m. on the morning of the race.

Ann Riggs, an organizer of the event, said a few minor changes have been made to the race. In the past, the race course has stretched down the Palmer-Wasilla Highway to 49th State Street. Instead the race will be confined to Hemmer Road, Arctic Avenue, the Glenn Highway and the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. The course will loop on these roads from Peak Fitness, past Palmer High School and back to Peak Fitness.

Riggs said by doing this, there will be no crossing of major roads.

Competitors will start the bike portion of the triathlon at Peak Fitness and make two laps around the loop. After 10 kilometers on the bike, participants will drop their bicycles at the Palmer Pool.

At the pool, competitors will hit the loop for a 5-K run.

The final leg of the event is a 500-meter swim at the Palmer Pool.

Riggs said the event has attracted a loyal group of participants. Most hail from the Mat-Su area, but Riggs expects athletes from Anchorage and Fairbanks to participate as well.

There is a $30 registration fee to participant in the solo event or for two people to compete in the team event. Teams of three are $45.

For more information, contact Riggs at 746-3305 or peak@mtaonline.net.

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