"We are proud to continue our success in Clermont, Florida and add a second age group draft legal sprint race to our series! Draft legal racing is such a thrilling event to race and to watch. For the athlete it is constant effort and a totally different race experience. For the spectators they will be able to cheer their friends and family on the multi-loop course."

Triathlon: Harvey Cedars Triathlon
When: Sunday, June 3, 2012
Where: Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars, NJ
Divisions: Professional, Age Group, Juniors
Website: www.harveycedarstri.com

Age groupers looking to experience the thrill of draft legal racing should register quickly as the race field is limited to 75 select male and female spots (150 spots total).

Harvey Cedars, which is about 90+ miles East of Philadelphia, PA or 100 miles South of New York offers an outstanding course. Athletes participating in this race will:

• • Experience the thrill (some for the first time) of draft legal racing.
• • Be part of a big time race.
• • Get to meet some of the best triathletes in the world!

The course is set in Harvey Cedars Sunset Park off Salem Avenue. The sprint distance race will consist of a 750me swim, 20km bike, 5km run. The swim will take place in the bay, water temperatures should be in the mid 60s. The bike course will head north and will be two loops in closed lanes on LBI Boulevard. The run course will head south on LBI Boulevard before turning around and heading back to finish in Sunset Park.

Schedule	Event
07:30 am	Age Group Non-Draft Wave 1 (Mid-Atlantic Junior Talent ID Race)
07:35 am	Age Group Non-Draft Wave 2
09:15 am	Pro Women
09:40 am	Age Group Draft Legal Women
11:00 am	Pro Men
11:30 am	Age Group Draft Legal Men

USA Triathlon's Junior Talent ID Race Series provides a gateway for young athletes into the development pipeline. The Harvey Cedars Triathlon is thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity this important group of athletes! Participants will experience triathlon in its traditional, non-drafting format, officiated using USAT Competitive Rules. Regional Athlete Development Coordinators monitor results and contact participants who may be well-suited for camps or national-level events. This race is a great way to meet peers who enjoy triathlon in addition to school sports. Athletes will also be able to see the professional triathletes in action! To learn more about this Talent ID Race Series go here.

"Harvey Cedars is a place that I love; I spent summers lifeguarding and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. I learned to water ski in the bay and watched fireworks on the 4th of July at Harvey Cedars Sunset Park. I ran the Dog Day Road Race in the heat of the summer and swam the length of Harvey Cedars in the ocean."

"The sport of triathlon has filled my life with strong relationships with friends, competitors, and sponsors and I am passionate about giving back to the sport that I love. For the past couple years, I have been working to create a series of draft legal races for age groupers. Bill Burnett and I have successfully created a draft legal event in Clermont, Florida, and we look to carry on our success in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey." - Jarrod Shoemaker

For more information and registration options for the new Harvey Cedars Triathlon event visit: www.harveycedarstri.com For information on the Draft Legal Challenge at Clermont visit: www.draftlegalchallenge.com.

The events is being put on by Streamline Events, which hosts the the popular Sprint Distance Commonwealth Triathlon Series in New England and the Draft Legal Challenge in Florida.
 
 
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Triathlon: 5150 Subic Bay Philippines
When: Sunday, June 24, 2012
Where: Subic Bay, Philippines
Website: www.5150philippines.com

Triathlon, the fastest growing sport in the world is growing as fast in the Philippines. Case in point, the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines in Cebu filled up registration seven whole months before the August 5, 2012 race day. Word has gone around the multi-sport world that the Philippines throws a great show. And with the staging of the inaugural Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon Series on June 24, 2012 at Subic Bay, Philippine hospitality, ingenuity, and beautiful sceneries will once again be showcased. No doubt participants, visitors, families and friends will not only say "it's more fun in the Philippines" but also proclaim "it's more fun to swim, bike, run in the Philippines."

The Olympic-distance Century Tuna 5i50 race (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) will all be within SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority), a former U.S. Naval base, one of the two former major military bases of the United States in the Philippines, the other being Clark Airfield, which were both reverted back to the home country by the Americans in the early Nineties. Triathletes who join can say they have swum where battleships used to be, in majestic Subic Bay surrounded by breathtaking mountains. These mountains are breathtaking too on the bike leg because this race will feature some vicious climbs. But true to most run legs in Philippine Tri-races, the 10k run route will be lined with spectators, giving that extra needed boost to complete the required 51.5 kilometers total.

The Philippines is more than just a fantastic triathlon destination. It has a rich history, where a majority of past heritage sites centered around 300 years of Spanish rule. Contemporary lifestyles are sophisticated and cosmopolitan, where major urban centers have superb international cuisine, complete shopping experiences, and the night life is unbeatable. So after the race, and the awesome loot bag, 5i50ers should try to stay a few more days because is it is safe to say: Post-race recovery - it is more fun in the Philippines.

This is the second 5150 Triathlon Series race in the Asian market so far in 2012. In February Sri Lanka will host the first and inaugural 5150 Sri Lanka triathlon. The series now has races in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more information on the 5150 Triathlon Series visit: www.5150.com
 
 
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The New York Times named Sri Lanka the #1 place in the world to visit in 2010. So it's no secret; Sri Lanka is a jewel of South Asia waiting to be discovered by triathletes. Romantic island hideaways, a rich culture and a food lover's paradise, Sri Lanka has it all.

Shannon Kurek from HFP Racing in Ohio and race director states "Sri Lanka is an incredible destination location. Colombo is a very athlete-friendly host city that will bring everything conveniently together within walking distance from the host hotels for this inaugural Ironman 70.3 and 5150 race."

Steeped in Colonial Architecture, the city of Colombo will become a staging area for taking athletes back in time and delivering the romance of yesteryear. It will be a dynamic merriment of a modern day hi tech sport amidst an old era.

As the first race on the 70.3 calendar for Asia it's the perfect opportunity for athletes to awaken from the winter slumber and dip their toes into some warm waters and humid conditions to test the body.

We had a chance to ask organizers a few questions leading up to this year's inaugural events.

If not, is something being done to teach them more about it?
Other than the highly significant meetings we have had with local officials, military personnel, government liaisons, the tourist board, and interested companies (advertisement/sponsorship), we have also posted flyers in public places and have volunteer workshops in the making for education on the sport of triathlon.

Sri Lanka is not a place people in the sport think about when it comes to
triathlon. How did the idea come about, picking Colombo for a new Ironman
70.3 Series race?
Well seen in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka now boasts one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world, matching the power and prestige of more familiar big cities. The country of Sri Lanka also has great potential as a host venue for an Ironman 70.3 event for the very fact that it IS unfamiliar to most people in the sport - it is an independent island detached from the mainland of the Asia subcontinent. Having reestablished independence as a country in the mid 1900s, Sri Lanka's history is more than one page deep. Rich culture is found here. Capable of hosting a world-class event while retaining the hidden getaway appeal of a tropical island, Sri Lanka is simply unique. It was selected for expansion into the south Asian region with the traveling, adventure-seeking athlete in mind. The climate provides a tropical challenge for race day, the clean and well maintained streets and public places provide ideal urban courses, while the scenic coastal city and unusually friendly locals provide a welcoming stay.

What's the expectation on getting local athletes to participant in the race?
One of the main takeaways thus far from witnessing sporting events in Sri Lanka and establishing relations with local sport coordinators is that most athletes who bike and run mostly stay away from the water. And those that are firstly swimmers have little to do with sports beyond the water. The expectation of local participation had a ceiling of 10% this year and, with a handful of Sri Lanka natives registered to compete, these numbers are on par. However, with momentum building for the sport of triathlon in this competitive format, we look forward to seeing more locals dive into the action in subsequent years!

So what challenges lie in wait for athletes racing in Sri Lanka?
If you have been to the island before, you will be familiar with the organized chaos of traffic. Did I say organized? Tut-tuts are the vehicle of choice and they manage to zip in and out everywhere. Entertaining to watch, hair-raising to try, this is Sri Lanka. And this is also why for one day on February 19th the city roads will be closed.

Imagine that? Complete closure to traffic for an ironman race; that's like music to a triathletes ear. With no traffic and a flat course, Sri Lanka is designed for the uber fast biker kitted with disk wheel and lovers of a pancake flat run course. But that doesn't mean it is going to be easy. Remember it's in the tropics; which means a consistent 81°F air temperature, 82°F sea temperature (no wet suits) and for a little fun, the humidity level in February hovers around 80%.

2005 World Ironman Champion, Faris Al-Sultan, is one Pro athlete who will be taking advantage of such a test. Al-Sultan will be participating in the 5150, a name creatively coined from the Olympic distances of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run.

"I think it is time for Sri Lanka to develop itself as a prime holiday destination and as ambassadors for triathlon, my teammates and I are proud to support a race that brings our tough but wonderful sport to this beautiful island." - Faris Al-Sultan.

To date, joining the former world champion in the 5150 is Paul Ambrose (AUS), Luke Gillmer (AUS), Freddy Lampret (RSA), Jenny Fletcher (USA) and Rachael Paxton (AUS).

A host of Aussie athletes heading to the island and one pro who loves to race in Asia is Belinda Granger. Granger will be lining up for the 70.3. Currently alongside the multi Ironman champion and 2011 Philippines 70.3 Champion is Kristin Möller and Dana Wagner of Germany, Ironman 70.3 Bussleton champion, Tim Berkel (AUS), Ironman 70.3 Canberra Champion, Tim Reed (AUS), Phuket based Swede Fredrik Croneborg, Justin Granger (AUS) and Patrick Evoe (USA).

"I am incredibly excited about racing the inaugural Sri Lanka 70.3. What an incredible place for a race. This is a great opportunity to add yet another stunning South Asian country to my long list makes me very happy. What a great way to kick start the 2012 season." - Belinda Granger.

Triathletes should be prepared to be wowed by the hotels; plenty to choose from all within walking distance or a short tut-tut ride of each other. The Taj Samudra Hotel and Galle face hotel will literally sweep you off your feet; decadence aptly describes the experience awaiting you.

Sri Lanka is a country on many peoples "must see" list. A tropical paradise it is the perfect place to holiday and experience all that south Asia has to offer. Now with the inaugural 70.3 and 5150 coming to the island, triathletes and their families can combine the best of both worlds with this new destination, must see, must do, race venue.

If it's not on your triathlon schedule this year, then make sure to think about it for next year. Visit www.ironmansrilanka.com for more information on the race.

Co-Author: Emma Bishop
 
 
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Cancer has a major impact on the health of men in Northern Ireland. Each year almost 6,000 men are diagnosed with some form of the disease - that's a shocking 22 men every working day. Around 2,000 lose their lives to cancer each year.

Tri Limits and the Ulster Cancer Foundation are encouraging men and women to be part of the Northern Ireland Decaman which involves a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike followed by a 26.2 marathon, each day for 10 days! There is even an option to enter and only do an Iron Distance, which is purely 1 day of the Decaman!

There is a challenge for everyone whatever your ability so why not give it a go! Participants can choose one of the following options:

• • Decaman: Enter the Overall Northern Ireland Decaman - £20 deposit, minimum sponsorship £500
• • Decaman Relay Team: A relay team of 3 people in the Northern Ireland Decaman - £20 deposit per team, minimum sponsorship £500 per team
• • Iron Distance Challenge: Join in, on a day of your choice - £20 deposit, minimum sponsorship £200.
• • Iron Distance Challenge Relay Team: Join in, on a day of your choice, with a relay team of 3 people - £20 deposit per team, minimum sponsorship £200 per team.
• • Swim / Bike / Run: Register to Swim, Bike or Run some of the Iron Distance on a day of your choice: £10 deposit, minimum sponsorship £40.

Online registration available at: www.ulstercancer.org/ps/event/NIDECAMAN1

The deposit and all sponsorship raised goes directly to the Ulster Cancer Foundation and will be used to help cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland. It will be used to fund services including support groups, counselling, health checks and advice, education programmes, smoking cessation clinics, Male Quick Fit sessions, as well as art and creative writing therapy.

For registration forms, further information or fundraising support please contact Paul O'Gara at the Ulster Cancer Foundation, Tel. 07585956807 or Email: paulogara@ulstercancer.org

The Ulster Cancer Foundation
The Ulster Cancer Foundation is a local charity which has been providing services in communities across Northern Ireland for more than 40 years.

Our main aim is to reduce the impact of cancer within Northern Ireland and to help us achieve this aim we are committed to funding research into the disease, providing services for cancer patients and their families and educating people on how they can reduce their risk of cancer.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation supports all sections of the community - male, female, young and old. All money raised on our behalf is spent in Northern Ireland, helping to support patients and their families.

Sponsorship & Fundraising
Your participation in the Northern Ireland Decaman/Iron distance challenge will help us reach our objectives as you reach yours! We would be very grateful if you could do your very best to raise as much sponsorship as you can.

Don't forget to encourage all your sponsors to fill in your sponsorship card in full and tick the gift aid box where appropriate. For each gift aided pound that you raise, UCF can claim back an extra 25p, as long as each donors name, address and postcode has been provided on the card. You can also request fundraising materials to help you to reach your target, such as banners, buckets, t-shirts, blank posters, balloons and leaflets. Our Fundraising team are very willing to help and assist with fundraising, contact Paul O'Gara 07585956807 or E: paulogara@ulstercancer.org.

You can now also raise funds online at www.justgiving.com. This website enables you to create your own personal web page where your sponsors can donate using their credit or debit card - so no more running around with paper sponsorship cards, or chasing cheques and cash after your event! Simply visit www.justgiving.com/ucf/raisemoney to create your own page.

If you are prepared to 'appear' in your local paper, or in your company magazine, we would be delighted as this will help encourage others to take part. A sample press release can be made available so please do not hesitate to contact me on 07585056807

Websites:
Ulster Cancer Foundation - www.ulstercancer.org
Tri Limits - trilimits.wordpress.com
 

For the most part, triathlon is an individual sport where you swim, bike and run the entire event yourself. To entice new athletes, introduce them to the sport or even make it more of a social thing some organizers have a relay team division at their event. This is great for those who might not be comfortable in one of the particular disciplines but want to participate with their friends, family or tri club in one form or another.

The concept of Team Racing is not that common here in the U.S. unlike in other countries where Triathlon Club / Team competition is more prevalent. Yes, a few events here have Triathlon Club competitions, but it's not that big or anything like what Leon's has in store. Now that triathlon has made it to the collegiate level, we are seeing Team competition when it comes to these athletes. They race individually yet for their team, just like one would do if they were a high school or collegiate swimmer.

There is a triathlon event that is out to change this. The man behind it is Leon Wolek from Leon's World's Fastest Triathlon in Hammond, IN. His goal is to make that individual effort even more valuable and enjoyable as part of a team.

It's not about getting the best swimmer, biker and runner to for a team, that would be called a relay team. Team Challenge here is a bit different. A team here is a group of triathletes that go to a race together and do the entire race individually. At the end of the race, they take a subset of the individual times and use that to score the team against the other teams racing. That way everyone has to chance to participate in the whole event while trying to help the team win the competition. A great opportunity to share in the post race award festivities even if one faces stiff competition in their age group.

"Each team gets their own area with a custom made wooden bike rack to decorate as they please. They will also be able to put up and decorate a team tent adjacent to the transition area as part of the Team Challenge."

Introduced last year at Leon's Triathlon, Wolek hopes to inspire and attract more teams this year. To do so he has been talking to triathlon shops and coaches recruiting teams for this year's race in June.

"Each team has to choose a captain, just like any sports team has to do," Wolek says.

Wolek's Leon's World's Fastest Triathlon is rich in history. Now in its third year after a 15 year hiatus Wolek wants to add to the history with this concept and have this race remembered for something new.

Team Challenge Info

• • Teams must consist of 5-10 registered members, male, female or co-ed, including the captain.
• • Teams with more than 10 members may create additional teams.
• • The top 5 times of the male and female teams will be used to determine the winners.
• • Co-ed teams must have at least 2 male and 2 female members. The top 2 male and top 2 female times along with the next best time (male or female) will be used to calculate the co-ed team time.
• • The top teams will win awards, TBD.
• • Check the website to see a list of all the teams already committed to race.

Triathlon: Leon's World's Fastest Triathlon
When: Sunday, June 3, 2012 @ 8:00 AM
Where: Wolfe Lake Park, Hammond, IN
Distance: Olympic (Swim: 1.5km/.9mi Bike: 40km/24.8mi Run: 10km/6.2mi)
Website: www.leonstriathlon.com

So again, are you up for a challenge? How about racing with your friends in a team competition? Teams are created thru dealers and clubs. Check the event website for details...

On Saturday, Leon's Triathlon will host a Triathlon Demo Day in conjunction with race packet pick-up. The interactive race expo is designed to allow athletes, friends and all those attending the opportunity to test drive and learn about the latest and greatest equipment from the leading companies in triathlon and sponsors like Zoot and Versa Climber.
 

Triathlon: Mi Titanium Triathlon
When: August 26, 2012
Where: Versluis Park, Grand Rapids, MI
Events: Iron, 3/4 Iron, AquaBike
Website: www.mititanium.com

Proceeds from the event will fund the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The YMCA Strong Kids is a fundraising campaign focused on giving community members the chance to live a healthy, productive life.

Organizers will be offering a variety of Free and Fee basic clinics for athletes in the area. Check the event website for details.

Registration is currently open for the USAT Sanctioned 2012 Mi Titanium Triathlon event in August:

• • Full: $345 / Relay $445
• • 3/4 Iron: $185
• • Full AquaBike: $245
• • 3/4 AquaBike: $145

Visit the event website for details or register here.

This is the second new Iron Distance triathlon in the state of Michigan in 2012 and only one of four in the Midwest. Last year it was announced that Michigan would also be host to an Iron Distance triathlon in Traverse City via the HITS Triathlon Series.
 
 
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