Hempfield recCenter originally planned to hold its annual TRI For Life and TRI For Fun events in May, but like practically everything else this spring, the triathlons had to be canceled or postponed. Now, the rec center is trying again.
The 2020 TRI For Fun for youngsters ages 7 to 12 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 5 p.m. Check-in will be open from 4 to 4:45 p.m. at the rec center, 950 Church St., Landisville. As its name implies, the TRI For Fun is designed to be a fun, noncompetitive event, with each participant receiving a medal, a T-shirt, and a goodie bag. The distances for each leg will vary according to age group. Everyone who completes the TRI For Fun will have swum in the rec center's pool, ridden a bicycle, and run a footrace.
Athletes who are registered to participate in the 2020 TRI For Life should pick up their race packets at the rec center between 2 and 4 p.m. on Sept. 19. They may return to the rec center as early as 6 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, to collect any remaining race packets and apply body markings. The pool will open for warmups at 7 a.m., and after race announcements and instructions, the triathlon will start at 8 a.m.
The TRI For Life is a sprint triathlon, so the distances of each leg are significantly shorter than standard triathlons. The rec center's event will feature a 300-meter indoor swim, a 16-mile bicycle ride over rolling hills, and a 3-mile run on a relatively flat course. The top male and female finishers will receive cash prizes, and the top three age-group finishers and top three relay finishers will also receive awards.
Regarding pandemic precautions, Hempfield recCenter's fitness and wellness director, Jamie McGlaughlin, who is serving as the race director, has reached out to the professional race timer to find out what the best practices are from other contests.
"We will definitely be social distancing everyone on the pool deck and possibly down the hall depending on how many athletes register. We will also be implementing longer pool entry times," McLaughlin said, explaining that swimmers will start every 15 seconds instead of the usual 10 seconds. Additionally, participants will be asked to wear masks in the common areas, such as the restrooms and hallways, and sanitizing wipes will be located throughout the venue.
The races will be held rain or shine, but McLaughlin may postpone or cancel them if the weather is severe.
Registration is required to participate in either TRI event. Early bird registration for the TRI For Life will be open until Thursday, Aug. 20, and the regular signup period will close on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The deadline to register youngsters for the TRI For Fun is Sunday, Sept. 6. All registrations are being handled by http://www.active.com.
The proceeds from the two races will support Hempfield recCenter's "Everyone Belongs" financial assistance program. The program makes participation in rec center events accessible for those who might otherwise be unable to afford them.
For more information about the TRI events, readers may visit http://www.hempfieldrec.com.
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