Illinois Championship Triathlon Returns to Lake of the Woods
Following a successful first year, the 3 Disciplines Illinois State Triathlon Championships returns to the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve on Sunday, September 22, 2019. Over 250 athletes are expected to over Mahomet to run, bike and swim in the second of three triathlons scheduled for the area.
“The first year brought over 120 competitors to Lake of the Woods, exceeding our expectations,” explains Ryan Reid, Director of Sports & Special Events for Visit Champaign County. “The course in and around Lake of the Woods was very scenic and we anticipate doubling the registration for the second year.” Reid estimates that the event will generate an estimated $158,000 in economic impact for the community.
The race will feature three events on Sunday, September 22: Olympic distance event - 1000m swim, 29-mile bike ride, 10k run OR sprint distance event; 500m swim, 14.5-mile bike ride, 5k run; and for those who want to try their first triathlon, a Super Sprint with a 200m swim, 10k bike ride, and one-mile run. The triathlon is open to the public. Athletes can register for the event at 3disciplines.com.
“Athletes gave last year’s event rave reviews, from the course to the venue, to the ease of travel to the destination,” states Kenny Krell, National Events Director with 3 Disciplines. “We had athletes from eight states in our first year, showing that this event has a bright future for continued growth.”
To create a safe environment, and a successful event, volunteers are needed throughout the weekend. Race organizers seek 40 volunteers for set-up on Friday, registration on Saturday & Sunday, and for various activities on race day. All volunteers will receive a complimentary t-shirt, as well as a meal on race day. Individuals or groups can contact the Volunteer Coordinator with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District at volunteer@ccfpd.org.
For more information on the race, or to participate in the Triathlon, visit 3disciplines.com.
About 3 Disciplines
3Disciplines was the first to start the triathlon revolution bringing triathlons to Tempe Town Lake in Tempe, AZ in the spring of 2001. Hosting what was then the largest and fastest growing events in the country, Tempe International Triathlon and SOMA Half Iron Triathlon. For 19 years, they have produced events in 22 states, serviced over 200,000 athletes, produced, timed and consulted on over 1040 events and have donated over 2200 pairs of shoes and just over 100 pick-up truck beds full of food and old event T shirts, and over $525,000 in cash and services over the years.
About Visit Champaign County
Visit Champaign County, the certified destination management organization, aided organizers in bringing the event to the area and will provide support in helping coordinate media and providing community resources to the competitors. Visit Champaign County’s mission is to advance the overall visitor destination experience for the greater Champaign County area, in collaboration with community stakeholders, to strengthen the local economy and quality of life.