MRU Sprint Triathlon – 25th Annual

 Age Groups (Medals for winners in each age category)

Your excuses BUSTED!
Top 5 excuses given for not doing this triathlon (and why they don’t fly):

1. “I’m not a good swimmer, biker, and/or runner.”
This event is designed specifically for first-timers and it’s totally OK if you’re not “strong” in one (or any) of the three stages. And if you really don’t think you can do it yourself, create your own dream team of 2 or 3 people and do it together. Just do it – you’ll be glad you did.

2. “I don’t have the gear.”
Use your mountain bike, borrow a bike, or rent one (sportsrent.ca, etc.). To make sure your bike is working properly after “sleeping” all winter, get a tune-up at Ridley’s Cycle. Spandex and Speedos are completely optional, of course!

3. “I’m a bit concerned about biking/running on city streets.”
The Alberta Triathlon Association rates this event as a well-organized and very safe triathlon. Our 90 trained volunteers have radios and cell phones, police officers control all traffic lights, and the City of Calgary closes curb lanes on busy streets. Ridley’s Cycle’s support vehicle and MRU’s Security truck both continually drive the bike route. A third support vehicle continually drives the run route.

4. “I’m not a super-fit, hard-bodied triathlete.”
Perfect – this event is for first-timers. People of all ages (17 – 70), fitness/skill levels, shapes and sizes finish this triathlon every year. It’s a staggered start with the slower people going first, so you won’t be last crossing the finish line. There’s no time limit; doing your best is all that’s needed. Triathlon-specific training is not required – if you're moderately fit, this event is for you (doing it as a team of 2 or 3 is always a good option).

5. “I’m worried about the mid-April weather.”
Fortunately, the weather gods have been very kind to us in the past; if it is a bit cool, we’ll get everyone to change and dry off in the locker rooms after the swim. To be comfortable during the bike and run, just make sure to dress in layers. In case of extreme weather, we won’t cancel the event – it’ll change to a biathlon: swim + run on our indoor track.

If you have any questions or need reassurance, don’t hesitate to contact the triathlon coordinator, Ron Griffith at 403.440.6519 or rgriffith@mtroyal.ca.

Event Info:
Swim 0.5 km (20 lengths of MRU’s pool), bike 17.5 km (mountain bike or road bike), and then jog or run 5 km. This event includes electronic chip timing, lunch, tons of draw prizes, $25 dry-fit shirt (choice of women’s or men’s fit) and medals for the winners in each age group. Do it on your own or with your dream team*.
*teams can be two or three people – one person may do two stages.

Prerequisite(s): 17+ years, ability to swim 0.5 km (20 lengths of MRU’s pool), cycle 17.5 km (mountain bike or road bike) and run 5 km. Speed is NOT a factor for any of the three segments.

Sprint Triathlon OPEN HOUSE:
Thursday, April 12, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Recreation Customer Service Centre (U130). Drop by for a tour and we’ll answer all your questions about the routes, transition area, rules and instructions.

90 Volunteers Needed:
Cheer on our triathletes and beef up your resume - all while helping put on a great event. You’ll receive a t-shirt, light lunch, and be eligible to win one of many “volunteer only” draw prizes. To volunteer, call 403.440.6463 or email recevents@mtroyal.ca.

Deadline to register: April 12 (if not sold out)

Sunday, April 15, 2012. 9:15 am – 2:00 pm (approximately).

IMPORTANT:

• Race bag pick-up and waiver signing: Thursday, April 12 or Friday, April 13 (7:00 am – 10:30 pm) or Saturday, April 14 (8:00 am – 8:00 pm), Recreation Customer Service Centre (U130).
• Please ensure your correct email address is on your Recreation account. The info package (instructions, rules, route maps) will be emailed in mid March. If you don’t receive this email by March 16, please email us at recevents@mtroyal.ca.
• The fine print: You may not sell or give away your spot. If you withdraw by April 8, you’ll receive a refund (minus the administration fee). After April 8, refunds (minus the administration fee) will only be given for medical reasons (doctor’s note required).