There's Still Time to Sign Up for the Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series

On Saturday, July 16, a field of close to 900 first-timer, few-timer, and many-timer triathletes will be on hand to kick off On Your Mark Events’ 24th Annual Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series (four events), at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton, Calif. 

It is the East Bay’s longest running triathlon, according to a press release from On Your Mark Events. In August, 1988, the first Tri-For-Fun event drew 28 participants.

At the time On Your Mark Events’ co-principal Mark Aiton owned a Fleet Feet store in Pleasanton, and was encouraged by a number of customers to produce a local triathlon. 

“We have made so many wonderful friends through the years because of the Tri-For-Fun," he said. 

"There are now literally thousands of people who cut their triathlon teeth with the Tri-For-Fun, and they keep coming back, as well as take part with our other longer-distance triathlons.”

The Tri-For-Fun Series is the goal for hundreds of first-time triathletes each year, according to the release. Many of them have been working out with Bay Area gyms, such as YMCAs, and a number of Team in Training groups. Throughout the season series, at least 60 percent of all the participants will be beginners.

Many participants will tell you they like the entire the experience: the friendly and fun atmosphere, pleasant scenery, and a great course.   

Utilizing the lake and rolling hills of Shadow Cliff Park and the flat paved roads running through Pleasanton and Livermore, the Tri-For-Fun features a course distance of 400-yard Swim (warm, clean lake); 11-mile bike (loop course, flat streets) and 3.1-mile run (rolling fire trail). 

Along with the shorter-than-usual tri-distance course and the safe, friendly, and non-competitive atmosphere, the Tri-For-Fun makes an excellent event for the numerous first-time triathletes, according to the release. 

It’s not unusual to see a 10-year-old running alongside a 70-year-old. 

Last year, the youngest and oldest participants recorded were a 6-year-old and a 78-year-old. 

Though the three Tri-For-Fun triathlons are not competitive with awards, there is a digital timing clock so each participant can check on his/her time personal achievement. 

Also noteworthy is the higher ratio of female participants over male. 

Many of the female attendees tell Aiton how much they like the pleasant atmosphere and they don’t feel like they are going to get knocked over on their bike by some guy trying to break a world record. 

After the novice athletes master the first three Tri-For-Funs, they can meet the challenge of the final event – the Tri-For Real. 

The final event of the series is held at the same location, but the distances have been increased to a 700-yard swim, 20-mile bike, and 4-mile run. The Tri-For-Real is also professionally timed, giving our official results.

Many veteran triathletes say the Tri-For-Fun Series provides the ultimate training and practice session for longer-distance triathlons. 

This group is always sent out in the “first wave,” so they can jump way ahead of the less-experienced. The consistent course also allows routine time-trial checks of fitness or gives an outstanding “brick” workout for the experienced triathlete.  These participants use the short-course triathlons to sharpen their racing and transition techniques.

The 2011 On Your Mark Tri-For-Fun Series dates are July 16, and August 20. 

The Tri-For-Real will be held on September 18.  All races will start at 7:00 a.m., at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton. 

There is a 1,000-participant maximum for each triathlon. The triathlons do sell out.

The entry fee for the three Tri-For-Funs is $65 in advance, and $75 day of. 

Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, refreshments, snacks, and entry into the raffle (must be present to win).  Fees are $75 advance, and $85 day of for the Tri-For-Real, which also includes trophies and medals. Multiple-triathlon discounts are available.

Check-in and registration will begin at 5 a.m., with the first wave hitting the water at 7 a.m.

To register or to receive more information about the Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series, contact On Your Mark Events at 209-795-7832 or visit their website.  Online registration is available on Active.com.