Why Not Tri triathlon set Saturday

WASILLA — This Saturday is the 8^th annual Why Not Tri triathlon in downtown Wasilla. The race begins at the Wasilla High School pool with a 400-meter swim. Then, the dripping racers hop on their bikes and pedal 9 1/2 miles down Bogard Road, turn right on Wasilla Fishhook, follow that to Seldon, turn right on Seldon, then turn right again on Bogard returning to the pool. Finally, racers will drop their bikes and dash through the surrounding neighborhoods in a 5k run, making their way around Fishhook, down Peck and back to the pool.

Why Not Tri will have a total of three categories: adult, team relay and kid (ages 6 and up) races and an early, with an adult start time at 8:30 a.m. Racers of all ages, shapes and sizes are encouraged to try out the triathlon. The kid race will have short and long courses going on a similar route as their adult counterparts. According to Christina Hancey, lead coordinator for this year’s triathlon, there will be 473 individual racers, 60 relay team racers and 175 kid racers. She stated the race is a great introduction to beginner racers.

“It’s a very supportive and comfortable environment to people who are new to the sport of triathlon,” Hancey said.

The Why Not Tri Triathlon is often revered for budding racers. Many utilize opportunities like early registration.

“Our race start times are based on first-come, first-serve. It’s in order of registration. Some people like to make sure and guarantee that they get in there and get to race first, so they will pay the extra $50 just to guarantee they are in the pool first and out pretty quick. Some people do it because they are very serious competitors; some people do it because they registered later,” Hancey said.

All proceeds from the race fund efforts for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease — a disease the breaks down nerve cells, reducing functionality in muscles. The cause of ALS is still unknown and there is no known cure. This is the first year the race is specifically donating to The ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALSTDI), a non-profit that promises treatment for ALS.

“Our money comes from the registration fees, sponsors, vendors, and any additional donations people make to ALSTDI. Right now we’re at $1,540 in additional donations just to ALSTDI,” Hancey said.

According to Hancey, the community fuels the race each year with its resources and time given.

“We’re really grateful for our sponsors and especially our volunteers because the race can’t happen without volunteers on race day. We usually need around 100.

They’re a big part of the race being able to come off every single year,” Hancey said.

Race times:

Early Start at 8:30 a.m.

Adult Race at 9 a.m.

Team Race at 2 p.m.

Kids Race at 3:30 p.m.