Courtesy photographMaj. David Lemery, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, finishing the long course during the May 19 Edwards Air Force Base High Desert Triathlon. The next triathlon is scheduled for Nov. 3, sign up now!
Who
The event is hosted by the Edwards Triathlon Club, a non-DOD private organization of multi-sport athletes from the Edwards community. Anyone is welcome to join. The race is open to the base community and the general public. With parental consent, minor children can participate and they have in the past (even as young as 10 years old). Participants without a DOD I.D. card will need to provide additional information during the registration process to gain base access on race day.
What
Three races are offered:
An Olympic/Intermediate Distance Individual Race ñ 1,000 meters, 26 miles, 6 miles
Sprint/Short Distance Individual Race – 500 meters, 13 miles, 3.5 miles
Sprint/Short Relay Race (a team consisting of 2-3 participants)
Volunteers are needed to help in all aspects of the race and teenagers looking to obtain community service hours for various clubs and classes are especially encouraged to assist.
When
Nov. 3. The event will start at 9 a.m., which is later than usual and should take advantage of the best temperatures of the day. The Olympic athletes will start first, followed by the short distance racers and the relay teams. The last racers will probably finish around noon and an awards ceremony will take place shortly thereafter.
Where
The start, finish and transition area will be at the Oasis Pool and the parking lot behind the Oasis Community Center. The bike course will be either one or two laps (dependent on the race distance) around the base on roads guarded by the 412th Security Forces Squadron. The run course will be either one or two laps of an out-and-back course.
Why
Triathlon is an encouraging and inclusive sport with a welcoming community that accommodates beginners and those looking to challenge themselves. At Edwards, it’s an especially great event for first-time athletes because it’s safe, local (no long drives and hotel bills), low-stress, low-logistics, and inexpensive. This race builds on the success of two previous triathlons held on base this past year. In fact, one of the goals of the Edwards Triathlon Club is to organize three to four races a year on base, repeatedly supporting both new and experienced triathletes as well as the base community, and to promote fitness for all involved. The event is just plain fun and something to take pride in afterward.
How
Interested athletes and volunteers from high school age and up can get more information at any of the following: triedwards@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/highdeserttriathlon, or at www.active.com.
