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February 17, 2011

Fifth Annual Warhawk Triathlon and First Warhawk Youth Triathlon set for March 19

Regional residents ready to test their physical endurance will want to join in the Fifth Annual Warhawk Triathlon on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake Oxford Natatorium and finishing in the Grove.

A new event this year is ULM's first ever Warhawk Youth Triathlon, beginning at noon.

"The Warhawk Triathlon is a great beginner's triathlon for one's first race and is a great kick off to the race season for experienced triathletes," explained Kinesiology Instructor and Human Performance Lab Director Brian Coyne.

Coyne, who co-directs the Warhawk Triathlon with Kinesiology Professor Lisa Colvin, said, "We look forward to hosting many of the athletes we've had in the past as the Warhawk Triathlon has a solid following among triathletes in the area."

The Warhawk Youth Triathlon developed following requests from interested youth, as well as past Warhawk Triathlon participants, according to Coyne.

"We also wanted to encourage children from ages 5-15 to become more active and give triathlon competition a try," he said.

"Beginners who have done our event in the past have stuck with the triathlon lifestyle and are enjoying full lives. We hope to see this same thing occur in our youth. The triathlon lifestyle is a great way for the young and old to stay young at heart."

Coyne said triathletes are a very friendly and encouraging group. You'll see those who have finished their race back out on the race course cheering others on," he said.

"Athletes from their teens to their 70s race in the Warhawk Triathlon each year," agreed Colvin.

"Cross-training for triathlons is also a way to vary one's exercise program and stay motivated. Many athletes who used to do just one sport have turned to triathlons for variety and fun."

The competitive event, for both adults and children, includes a 400-meter indoor pool swim, an 11-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run.

The youth triathlon distances vary based on age:

Food and gumbo will be served to all participants following the Triathlon, and Miss Louisiana Kelsi Crain, a junior kinesiology major at ULM, will also help start the race and greet finishers.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe's Association of Students in Kinesiology, ULM's Activity Center, and Vantage Multisport will sponsor the event.

ASK has joined forces with Vantage Health Plan, Vantage Multi Sport, Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bayou Pawn Shop, St. Francis Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, The Bike Source, Hammer Nutrition, Haik Humble Eye Center, CenturyLink, Thomas & Farr, Anytime Fitness, Knuckleheads, Kate Dishman Rehabilitation Hospital, and MRS Mailing Express.

Proceeds from the Warhawk Youth Triathlon will go to support MedCamps and the summer camps they provide local disabled children each summer, while proceeds from the Warhawk Triathlon will support ASK.

Preregistration fees are $45 per person until March 12 and $55 until the day of the race. For relay teams, the fees are $80 until March 12 and $100 until the day of the race. ULM students and youth may compete at $25 each.The race will be restricted to 175 participants, so pre-registration is encouraged. Register online at www.imathlete.com.

Participants come from all parts of Louisiana, as well as Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. ASK encourages Monroe residents to sign up for a great cause and have a healthy, fun-filled experience.

For more information about the Triathlon or to register, visit www.imathlete.com and search Warhawk Triathlon or Warhawk Youth Triathlon.

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