Willow Creek Triathlon Offering New Duathlon

There are several reasons to do the Willow Creek Triathlon –money helps disabled veterans and gives people a chance to do something for those who put their lives on the line for our freedom. Now there are two more reasons. Participants have the option of doing a duathlon this year.

The committee organizers added individual duathlon and team duathlon – paring down the stages to the 15-mile bike and three mile run – for both individuals and teams. This is in addition to the standard sprint triathlon on the same course, which is a 300-yard swim in Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park, the bike leg to the Corydon Hotel and the run to Willows Restaurant. Registration is under way at www.score-this.com or www.willowcreektriathlon.org. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Aug. 2.

“We added the duathlon for teams and individuals for those who may not want to do all three events,” said Race Director Gregg Reynolds.“The triathlon is in its ninth year and we felt like we could expand what we offer participants.” Reynolds noted that registration is still capped at 400.

Last year, the triathlon topped the $100,000 mark in what it has raised for the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties over the past nine years. Last year alone, the triathlon gave more than $30,000 to the two local DAVs. “We feel very strongly that we are supporting the true heroes of our community,” Reynolds. “And we could not be more grateful that the community, as well as triathletes from all over, agree.”

Information packets will again be available, for the athletes’ convenience, on Friday, Aug. 1, at the YMCA on Boylston Street, Bradford, from 2 to 7 p.m. Registration and packet pick-up will also start at 8 a.m. at Quaker Lake the day of the event.

The cost for those who pre-register by July 18 is $40 per individual or $80 per team. This includes both the duathlon and triathlon. After that, the registration fee is $50 for individuals; $90 for teams.

There are also female and male Clydesdale divisions. Weight requirements are 200 lbs; for men and 150 lbs. for women. “This is such an amazing event that has grown year after year. To see the runners come in to the open arms of veterans and the applause of onlookers is something everyone should experience,” Reynolds said, adding that even if you can’t participate in the duathlon or triathlon, everyone is welcome to watch and cheer the athletes on.

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