Athletes gather for June triathlon
- Triathlon begins June 9.
- Early registration costs $40 for adults, $30 for youths and $75 for a three-person relay team.
By John Savage, Staff Writer
Athletes are preparing to kick, pedal and run to the finish line at the OCCC Super Sprint Triathlon.
The triathlon consists of swimming 500 meters, cycling 12 miles and running 5 kilometers.
This will be the 11th time this event has been held at OCCC and attracts around 225 to 260 athletes.
The triathlon will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, near entry 10.
Athletes receive a discount if they sign up before May 18.
The cost for early registration is $40 for adults, $30 for youths and $75 for a three-person relay team.
If registration is completed May 19 through June 7, the cost is $50 for adults, $40 for youths and $85 for relays.
Athletes who sign up for the race a day before the race will pay $55 for individual, $45 for youths and $90 for relays.
The relays allow three people to compete in one event each, instead of one person completing the whole race.
Aquatics and Safety Training Specialist Stephanie Scott said new to this year’s race is the addition of chip timing.
According to marathonguide.com, chip timing is both extremely precise and capable of addressing several weaknesses that are inherent to traditional timing methods.
“They [athletes] get their results in about 10 minutes,” Scott said. “They get more accurate split times.”
Athletes also will have to purchase a USA Triathlon card.
The cost for the card is $39 for an annual fee or $10 for a single-event card.
Scott said the card must be purchased prior to the race and is not included in the package. The card is used when the race is an official race of the USAT.
Otherwise, this race would be considered an exhibition race.
These cards can be picked up from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 8, along with their packets, which contain other information about the triathlon.
Scott said there is always a need for volunteers to work the hospitality aid stations and help with unpacking and packing equipment.
Forms for volunteers can be found at www.occc.edu/rcs.
Volunteers will get a gift package and T-shirt along with snacks.
After the race is over, Central State Massage Academy will have student staff on hand to rub down athletes and members of the OCCC staff.
For more information, contact Scott at 405-682-1611, ext. 7662.
Staff Writer John Savage can be reached at StaffWriter2@occc.edu.
