On Your Mark Event’s Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series second leg of four such events this year will be held tomorrow, starting at 7 a.m. at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park. A sell-out crowd of 1,000 participants is expected.
The remaining 2006 On Your Mark Event’s Tri-For-Fun Series dates are Aug. 19 for the third Tri-For-Fun triathlon and Sept. 17 for the Tri-For-Real. All races start at 7 a.m. at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park on Stanley Boulevard.
The Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series continues to be a huge hit with seasoned tri-athletes and first timer tri-athletes, according to Mark Aiton, its director.
Triathlete magazine agrees, naming the Tri-For-Fun Triathlon series as one of the top 12 triathlons in Northern America.
Utilizing the lake and rolling hills of Shadow Cliffs and the flat paved roads running through Pleasanton and Livermore, the Tri-For-Fun features a course distance of a 400-yard swim, an 11-mile bike ride through a looped course with flat streets and then a 3-mile run along a rolling fire trail. Aiton said the course is suitable for the newcomer as well as the seasoned tri-athlete.
“Along with the shorter course and the safe, friendly and non-competitive atmosphere, the Tri-For-Fun makes an excellent event for the numerous first-time tri-athletes,” he said. “It’s not unusual to see a 10-year-old running along side with a 70-year-old.”
Though the three Tri-For-Fun triathlons are not competitive, there is a large timing clock so each participant can check on personal time achievements.
Since 1988, the On Your Mark Event management has produced, managed and provided timing and results services for more than 500 sporting events. These have included runs, duathlons, triathlons, bike races, swimming competitions and track and field meets.
Headquartered in Arnold, Calif., the company is directed by Aiton and his wife Kandee, who are co-principals.
Approximately 40 percent of the participants are first-time tri-athletes. Also noteworthy, there is a higher ratio of female participants over male, Aiton said. Many of the girls and women have told the Aitons that they like the pleasant atmosphere and don’t feel as if they are going to get knocked over on their bike by some guy trying to break a world record.
“Through the past five years, we can usually count on 60 percent of the participants in all four triathlons being female,” Aiton said. “I’m still looking for an organized co-ed triathlon anywhere else in the country that has such a ratio.”
After the novice athletes master the first three Tri-For-Funs, they can meet the challenge of the final event, the Tri-For-Real. The final event of the series is held at the same location, but the distances have been increased to a 700-yard swim, 20-mile bike ride and 4-mile run.
To register or to receive more information about On Your Mark Events, Tri- For-Fun Triathlon Series, call (209) 795-7832 or e-mail info@onyourmarkevents.com. The organization’s Web site is www.onyourmarkevents.com.
