1,000 swim, bike, run in final triathlon 1,000 swim, bike, run in final triathlon (September 23, 2005)

Women now account for 63 percent in competition
by Jeb Bing

More than 1,000 turned out for last Sunday's final leg of the On Your Mark 18th annual Tri-For-Real Triathlon competition.

Held at Shadow Cliff's Regional Park, the challenge included a 700-yard swim in Shadow Cliff's chilly lake, followed by a 19-mile bike Ride on roads in Pleasanton and Livermore, and finally a 4-mile run on the park's rolling dirt trails.

This was the third triathlon of the year and was open to those at any skill level and age.

Named by Triathlete Magazine as one of the best triathlons in North America, the Tri-For-Real and its Tri-for-Fun competitions earlier this year are not timed races, although there is a race clock for personal reference.

"These events fit the bill for all types," said event coordinator Jonathan B. Lance. "It's not rare to see a 12-year-old running alongside a 70-year-old. First-time triathletes find the event friendly to novices, and veterans use the triathlon as an outstanding "brick" workout."

Also noteworthy is the fact that, now, a higher percentage of female participants.

"For the past three years, 63 percent of all those joining in are female," said On Your Mark's principal investor Mark Aiton. "I'm still looking for an organized co-ed triathlon in the nation that has such a ratio."
Lacrosse Festival

The Pleasanton Lacrosse Club will hold its annual Lacrosse Festival from 2-4 p.m. next Sunday, Oct. 2 at Hart Middle School.

Lacrosse spokesperson Esiri Onojafe said the event "is the perfect opportunity for boys and girls from third to eighth grades to check out the area's fastest growing sport."

For more information call 426-7249.

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