Calling all athletes who like to compete in more than one sport...
The Marietta Rowing and Cycling Club will host its seventh annual First City Triathlon Sunday, and participants will have a chance to run, bike and paddle their way to the finish line.
"It's the ultimate sport for somebody who likes to do cross training," said Dan Jones, club president and event coordinator.
Registration for the triathlon begins at 7 a.m. at Lindamood/Van Voorhis Boathouse. The race starts at 10 a.m.
"Arrive early enough to register and take your canoe or kayak up to Devols Dam," Jones said. Volunteers will safeguard the canoes and kayaks until competitors arrive at the dam.
Athletes of all ages will be participating in a 4.2-mile run through Marietta sites including the Putnam Bridge, Front Street and the River Trail.
Fact Box
If you go
What: First City Triathlon (running, biking and paddling).
When: Sunday, registration begins at 7 a.m.; race starts at 10 a.m.
Where: Lindamood/Van Voorhis Boathouse on Muskingum River.
Who: Open to all ages.
Sponsor: Marietta Rowing and Cycling Club.
Cost: $20.
Returning to the boathouse, racers will mount their bikes to pedal a 19.5-mile route to Lowell and back, ending at Devols Dam.
Taking the plunge, competitors will enter the Muskingum River in their canoes or kayaks and paddle five miles down stream back to the boathouse.
The First City Triathlon is open to any single athlete or team, and registration and the $20 entry fee are due the day of the event.
About 45 athletes are expected to compete Sunday, said Jones.
Racers are responsible for their own hydration, as only two water stops will be available during the event.
Helmets and life jackets are also required.
"You don't get on a bike without a helmet, and you don't get in your boat without a life jacket," said Jones.
Hunt Brawley, 50, of Marietta will be in his fourth First City Triathlon Sunday.
"It actually is a fun little race," Brawley said. "For some crazy reason, (the setting) makes you feel a little closer to the land and the environment."
Brawley "ramped up" his running to prepare for the triathlon.
"I try to run two to three times a week, two or three miles each time," said Brawley.
Jones, 68, who also competes in the triathlon, tries to do one kind of training exercise a day.
"I train five miles running, 25 miles on the bike or paddle five or six miles in a kayak," Jones said.
First, second and third place medals will be given for winners in the men's, women's, all-male team, all-female team and mixed-team divisions.
Brawley admitted he's never won a medal-and said he knows why.
"I'll blame it entirely on the fact that I've never had a fast kayak," said Brawley.
Jones urged would-be triathletes to give the event a try.
"There are three or four good competitors, but they'll take off and we won't see them," Jones said. "The rest of us will plod along, have a good time, and by the end of the day be able to say 'I did it!'"
To volunteer for the event, call Dan Jones at (740) 350-6418.
