It's beginning to feel a lot like ... summer. It is hot outside. Pools and water parks are in full swing. Maybe it's finally time to try a triathlon.
Sprint the Bend Triathlon takes place Saturday at Horseshoe Bend Park outside of Rogers, 16165 E. Arkansas 194.
It consists of a 500-yard open-water swim in Beaver Lake, a 15-mile road ride and a 5K run. The bicycle portion will also be open to auto traffic. Riders are expected to follow all road rules and must wear a helmet.
There will be cut-off times: 30 minutes for the swim portion, 1 1/2 hours for the bike ride and one hour for the run, or a total time of three hours.
The transition area will be available for setup between 5:30 and 6:50 a.m. The pre-race meeting and singing of the national anthem will take place at 7 and the first wave of racers will depart at 7:30 with subsequent waves every three minutes.
Online registration is available for $90, or $135 for a relay team of two or three people. There will be no race-day registration. (Triathletes can also register for a $205 package deal that includes entry to the Tri49 Triathlon on Sept. 25 at the Prairie Creek Campground, also on Beaver Lake.) Every athlete must have a USA Triathlon membership, available online or at packet pickup, but not on race day.
Packet pickup will be 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at GPP Cycling, 318 S. First St. in Rogers.
The registration fee includes a T-shirt and parking. Awards will be given by age group, and all finishers will receive medals.
For more information, visit emseries.com and look under "Events & Registration."
The host hotel is the Residence Inn, 4611 W. Locust St., Rogers. Other lodging is at Horseshoe Bend Campground, which charges $23 per night. The whole family could camp, fish, hike, bike and swim, and there are marinas with boat rentals nearby. Call (479) 925-2561.
Please send tips for active recreation to
cbyrd@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 06/20/2016