Triathlon Hopes to Pass $100,000

By SANDRA RHODES

The Willow Creek Triathlon committee is expecting this year’s event will be grand - one hundred thousand grand to be exact. That is the amount the committee is expected to surpass in donations to the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties.

“Our event has grown in participation and in money raised for this worthy cause,” said Gregg Reynolds, the new race director. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. This is something we could not do without the support of this community.”

This sprint triathlon, in its eighth year, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, starting with a 300-yard swim at Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park in New York State. That is followed by a 15-mile bicycle ride to the Corydon Hotel on Route 346. Runners complete the with a three-mile run to the Willows Restaurant.

“One of the best things about our triathlon is the course was laid out by Mother Nature herself,” Reynolds said. “From State Park to the Allegheny National Forest, we have one of the most scenic courses around.”

As with last year’s event, the number of participants has been capped at 400. People can participate either individually or as a team.

Those interested are encouraged to pre-register either at the triathlon’s website at www.willowcreektriathlon.org or www.score-this.com, a new timing company being utilized by the triathlon.

Registrations are only being taken online to streamline the registration process. Pre-registrations for a reduced rate will be accepted until July 21. The price is $40 for an individual; $80 for a team. After that, the price goes up to $50 for an individual and $90 for a team.

Although the DAV chapters are the ultimate winners at this event, the triathletes walk away with something, too. Also new this year are the medals that will be awarded in the top categories. These “medals” are made of wood and feature the triathlon’s logo, which is updated and redesigned each year of the event.

“This adds a personal touch to the event that we haven’t had in the past,” Reynolds said.

One of the most significant changes is that the triathletes will be picking up their registration material the day before the event.

Committee members will be at the Bradford Family YMCA on Boylston Street from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, to distribute important material such as the T-shirts, the timing chips number bibs, promotional items and other goodies. The triathletes are then responsible for keeping the timing chip with them and wearing them at the event.

Reynolds also pointed out that even if people can’t physically participate in the triathlon, they can contribute in other ways.

“Those interested are always welcome to become a patron or sponsor for the event,” he said. “Just contact us and we will get the information to you.”

Lastly, the families and friends of the triathletes can get in on the fun, too. There will be a table set up so they can make signs to display along the course to encourage their loved ones to the finish line.

“Keep in mind that all of the proceeds stay in this area – McKean and Warren counties to be exact – to provide transportation for veterans,” Reynolds said. “We would love any support you have to offer whether it be a helping hand at the event or becoming a sponsor.”

Registration the day of the event starts at 7 a.m. followed by a rules meeting at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m.

Any questions can be directed to Reynolds at director@willowcreektriathlon.org. More information is also available at http://www.willowcreektriathlon.org.

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