Triathlon returning to GH for 5th time

Sat, Jul 4, 2009

With the Lake Michigan water temperature plunging into the low 50s Thursday and Friday, organizers of the Grand Haven Triathlon and Duathlon, presented by Grand Haven Bone & Joint, are once again hoping for a warm-up.

The fickle nature of the Big Lake is the one great unknown in what is otherwise a nearly flawlessly planned festival of races in Grand Haven.

This year's main event — which includes a duathlon, a sprint-distance triathlon and an Olympic-distance triathlon — takes place next week Sunday, July 12. Event organizer Ron Knoll is keeping busy making sure everything is in place for the fifth annual event.

"I try not to focus on the water conditions too much, but I did check the 10-day forecast and it calls from temperatures 69 to 80 degrees with a mild south to southwest wind. Hopefully that's going to stir up some warm water," Knoll said.

Last summer, the swim portion of the triathlon was canceled because of wavy conditions on Lake Michigan. That forced athletes to double the running portion of the event.

Knoll noted that he and fellow event organizers have gone through the growing pains in previous years and now have a pretty firm grasp on what it takes to put the races together.

"The biggest thing is, we have very effective back-up plans for everything," Knoll said. "If there's a problem, we have a seamless back-up plan."

Hundreds of volunteers help the event go off without a hitch.

"With all the volunteers, including life guards, kayakers, aid stations and course directors, we have over 250 people involved that make this event happen," Knoll said.

He added that more volunteers are always needed, specifically to man kayaks and wave runners during the swim portion of the triathlon. Anyone interested in helping out can e-mail to volunteers@grandhaventri.com, or call (616) 556-7870 or (231) 638-0730.

Those participating in the races are invited to attend a sports expo and a pre-race pasta dinner, provided by Pizza Hut, on Saturday, July 11, from 1-7 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Family YMCA.

New this summer is the Kids Race, which is open to young athletes ages 6-13. The event will include a 100-meter pool swim at the YMCA, followed by a 2 1/4-mile bike ride and a 1 1/4-mile run.

The Kids Race will be held on Saturday, July 11.