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Midwest Sports Events will host a Half Ironman Triathlon, as part of the Midwest Championship Triathlon 5-Star series, in the Chisago Lakes Area Sunday, July 30. There are already over 450 participants registered for the event, including a Kid’s Triathlon being held Saturday, July 29. There will likely be more than 600 competitors, including the Kid’s Triathlon, the Half Ironman, the Sprint Distance and Relay events.

Gloria West, of Midwest Sports Events, says the sprint distance and relay competitions have mass appeal––they are something the “average” athlete can take part in. “We encourage students and adults to stay in shape this summer by preparing for this event!”

The Half Ironman includes a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. The Sprint competition includes a 1/4 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run. There are relay events for both the Ironman and the Sprint, which means there can be up to three participants (one swimmer, one biker and one runner – or one person can do two events, and another person can do the third). The relay might be a good event for a family or a couple to try!

There are five age groups for the Kids Triathlon, ranging from a 25 foot swim, 500 foot bike and 1/8 mile run for 3-4 year olds to a 400 foot swim, 2 mile bike, and 1/2 mile run for 11-12 year olds.

While some athletes compete in triathlons simply to get more fit, the Half Ironman is a training and qualifying event for the World Ironman, held in Madison, Wis., and in Hawaii.

In addition to Fairview Lakes Health Services, sponsors for the Chisago Lakes Triathlon include The RiverBank (presenting sponsor) and Doug’s TV, Sturdiwheat Foods Inc., Forest Lake Cycle & Skate, Joe’s Pizza & Deli, MACC Fund and Team Motorsports. Thank you to all the sponsors.

The swimming portion of each event will be held at Paradise Park, on Chisago Lake, followed by the bike ride and then the run.

The schedule of events for Triathlon weekend is:

Saturday, July 29

8-9 a.m.––Kids Triathlon packet pick-up

9-11 a.m.–– Kids Triathlon & Awards

11 a.m.-5 p.m.––Half Ironman/ Sprint packet pick-up and EXPO

Sunday, July 30

5:30-7 a.m.––Registration and check-in

7-11:30 a.m.––Half Ironman

8:30-11:30 a.m.––Sprint

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.––Awards celebration and Swedish pancake breakfast

Volunteers are needed during the event to assist with registration, to ensure safety at intersections and to provide water stations along the bike and run courses and for other tasks. If you aren’t participating in the event, please join the fun and excitement by volunteering. This is a fast-moving, well-organized event ––even a couple hours of your time will help! Volunteers will be given tee shirts and instructions at a volunteer party Thursday evening, July 27.

To register for the event, stop by the Chamber of Commerce office or Chisago City offices; to obtain a brochure go to: www.midwestspor tsevents.com or call 1-800-429-8044.

Businesses or organizations with sports-related equipment, gift items, t-shirts, and information or items of interest to athletes and spectators are encouraged to participate in the EXPO on Saturday afternoon.

Please contact the Chamber for more information, to reserve booth space at the EXPO or to volunteer to help with the event.

The Chamber office is located at 30525 Linden St. in Lindstrom (the old library building) and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or call the Chamber at 651-257-1177.

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