Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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February 22, 2012

Triathlon hopes high for Athens

Art Lawler The Athens Review

Athens — Lance Armstrong set the bar high back in 1988 for what is now the 27th Annual Athens Triathlon.

His 49:16 clocking hasn’t been equaled in nearly a quarter of a century.

But  thousands have had a good time trying, and  Activity Coordinator Kathleen Lilly, who has helped organize this race to a capacity of 500 participants in the past, is back and determined to see Texas’ oldest pool swim events, return to similar numbers after last year’s race participants dropped below the 200 mark.

Last year’s overall winner was Mark Saroni of Tyler with a time of 59:40.

Angel Martin of Bossier was overall women’s winner with a time of 1:16.02.

The overall average time for the 123 male competitors was 1:31. The average for the 52 female performers was 1:47.00.

One of the ways organizers intend to attract better numbers is with  “Same Day Packet Pickup.”

It may not sound like much, but in the past, participants from out-of-state, or from places like Lubbock, had to be in Athens on Friday to get their packets.

Lilly said participants from Dallas had to drive to Athens on Friday, then return to Dallas, only to have to be back in Athens early in the day.

That may put heads in beds, as promoters like to say, as a way of getting people into communities to stay the night in its hotels and motels, while dining in its restaurants. But when participation drops from 500, to less than 200, it may be time to rethink promotional strategy.

The race coming in late March, instead of early March, won’t guarantee better weather, but percentages should improve.

The USAT-sanctioned triathlon includes a 300-meter pool swim, a 13.8-mile bike trip, along with a 5-K run.

Promoters say, “It’s the perfect season-opener for veteran triathletes, and a great sprint race for beginners.”

Those interested in signing up now can do so at the Cain Center, or on-line at www.active.com

As already mentioned, competitors may sign up on race day, March 24, which has a 9 a.m. start.

Sponsorships are already being sold with Southside Bank (inside Brookshire’s Grocery in Athens) and East Texas Medical Center, Athens. Gold sponsorships are $500.

Silver sponsors at $250, include Prosperity Bank, Steve Grant Real Estate, LLC, and bronze sponsors ($100), so far, include the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Eddie D. Lassiter, CPA, A+ Plumbing, First State Bank, Steve and Jamie Barksdale, Mark A. Roberts, DDS and Weinstein Law Firm.

The vendor sponsor is  Sun & Ski Sports.

Awards will be given for first-place overall, male and female and first male/female, master’s division.

Also awarded will be first place for overall male/female grandmasters.

There is an early entry discount fee, which is  $60 for individuals and $140 for teams.

For out-of-towners who may wish to spend time in this area, the Super 8 hotel at 205 U.S. Highway 175 West is offering rooms at a discounted rate.

For more information, call 903-677-2000, or go to the web page, www.active.com

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