Determination x3

The Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon

May 8, 2004, 8 am

Swim: 750 Meters

Bike: 20k

Run: 5k

                It takes a certain kind of athlete to run a Triathlon. It has nothing to do with age, weight, gender, or even skill level. It’s all about determination. It takes someone who is willing to brave a 750-meter swim in cool lake water, then push themselves through a 20k bike race, and then keep going at their top speed through a 5k run.

                While, this might seem like a lot of ground (and water) to cover, the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon is actually a Sprint Distance Race. As one of the shortest triathlons, you have to be fast. Of course, not everyone is out to win. Coordinator, Pete Lampman commented, “It’s incredible to watch this Triathlon. There are a diverse bunch of people who challenge the course. Some are first class athletes and others just decide to see if they can do it. You can’t help but cheer when some get awards, and cheer even harder when some just cross the finish line.

                For the past seven years, the triathlon has been testing the endurance and determination of athletes from our area and the neighboring states. Many come from D.C., North Carolina or even as far as Ohio. All of the events are monitored by Set Up Inc. and take place at the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake State Park. The race includes individual categories broken down by age and gender. They also have team relays that divide the three events between different team members. The first year they only had 144 participants, but last year they limited the participants to 500 and had to turn people away despite the overcast, chilly day. This year they are increasing participation to 600, but you’ll probably want to register in advance if you want a guaranteed spot in the race.

                The Triathlon is put on by non-profit organization, VA Amateur Sports Inc., and all the proceeds go toward the Virginia Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games is an Olympic-style amateur sports festival for male and female athletes of all ages and abilities. The concept of the State Games movement is to provide an avenue for positive personal development through sports and to promote health, fitness, and the camaraderie of competition. Pete said, “We want to recognize dedication and achievement in all levels of athletes, and provide education on healthy living.” VA Amateur Sports runs all of their events through volunteers. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.commonwealthgames.org or call (540) 343-0987. To register online for the SML Triathlon, go to www.set-upinc.com. As the event lodging, Mariner’s Landing will be offering special rates for the Triathlon.