Third Annual ODU Triathlon - With Young Superheroes - Set for Nov. 9
October 01, 2014
For the third consecutive year, Old Dominion University's Student Recreation Center will host an event in the national Retro Triathlon Series, along with a Superhero Splash and Dash for youth competitors
The Third Annual ODU Triathlon will take place throughout the ODU Campus and Student Recreation Center on Sunday, Nov. 9.
The race will start in the SRC pool, where participants will travel through the lanes in a 400-yard snake-style swim. It will then transition to a six-mile bicycle loop course on Powhatan Ave. The transition area will be positioned at the SRC Intramural Fields.
The race will finish with the 3.1-kilometer run through the ODU campus, ending in the Rosann Runte Quad in front of the Student Recreation Center.
Early bird rates are $23 for ODU-affiliated participants, $25 for the general public and $5 for youths registering for the Splash and Dash. The deadline for early bird rates is Oct. 5.
Register for the event HERE.
The ODU Retro Tri Series is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event. Adult participants must also purchase a USAT day license ($12) with registration if they are not already a member.
"This is such a great event for anyone wanting to attempt a triathlon," said Eddie Hill, assistant professor of park, recreation and tourism studies (PRTS) at Old Dominion University. "Many people think of the Ironman when they hear 'triathlon.' Our event is a perfect opportunity to get your feet wet without a 20-hour fitness training week."
The Splash and Dash is open to children ages 7-13, with youth seven- to 10-year-olds participating in a 100-yard swim and one-kilometer run, and 11-13 age-group participants completing a 200-yard swim and 2K run.
Superhero attire is encouraged for the run portion of the Splash and Dash to enhance the experience and atmosphere.
Students in PRTS 201, taught by doctoral student Jenny Goff are helping to stage the event.
"We are very excited to have our students participate in a service-learning course where they learn the ins and outs of putting on such a complex and exciting event for ODU and its surrounding community," she said.
The ODU Triathlon is sponsored by Life Fitness and is a para-triathlete-friendly and youth event.
The Retro Tri series is reminiscent of the days before triathlons pierced the cultural consciousness and is intended to showcase the history and tradition of the event, which first became widely known through television coverage of the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii.
One event will take place in each of the 10 USA Triathlon regions across the United States, including the November 9 event at ODU. The Retro Tri Series serves to expose and educate participants on a healthy and active multisport lifestyle. It is open to first-timers, seasoned veterans and those looking to stay active, all while in an event atmosphere.
"This is a great event for individuals of any fitness level to participate in a triathlon for the first time or their 50th time," said race director Tamara Morgan, assistant director of fitness and wellness at the Student Recreation Center.
"We are really excited about the addition of the Superhero Splash and Dash this year, which we hope will add momentum to the event and help get more children involved in physical activity."