Here's something athletes that might be interesting to athletes in University Place.
The City of Lakewood has partnered with Tacoma South Sound Sports to host the Lakewood SummerFEST Triathlon.
Scheduled to take place Sunday, July 1 starting at 9 a.m., the first leg of the triathlon will be a 1/2 mile swim starting and ending at American Lake. After the swim, athletes will then board bicycles for a 14-mile ride that loops through the streets of Lakewood, Steilacoom and parts of Pierce County. The triathlon ends with a 3.1 mile run at Ft. Steilacoom Park.
In 2011 Tacoma South Sound Sports, formerly Tacoma-Pierce County Sports Commission, noticed a gap in their annual events calendar.
"It was obvious we needed to put on a triathlon in the area and we knew the new boat launch at American Lake Park made the lake a prime location for the swim portion," stated Executive Director Tim Waer. The Lakewood LaQuinta Inn's new director of sales, Nathan Uffens, happens to be a Tri-Guy. "Nathan came to us and mentioned he had directed triathlons in the past so we asked if he could map out a course somewhere in the area."
And it just so happened, Lakewood was in the market for just this type of event. The pieces suddenly came together.
"Our city has been looking for a signature event to enhance our SummerFEST festival. We see the triathlon growing into an annual destination for triathletes!" stated Mary Dodsworth, City of Lakewood's Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.
"Partnering with cities to host amateur athletic events is what we are in the business of doing and it helps with their economic development plans. Much like working with Gig Harbor to bring the successful 2012 Paddler's Cup to their downtown, adding the triathlon to Lakewood's community celebration creates a centerpiece around the 2nd day of SummerFEST. The growth potential of the triathlon will help fuel SummerFEST to become a regional draw and enhance our efforts to showcase Lakewood as a vibrant and active community." Waer said.
Dodsworth adds, "Creating a healthy family friendly event that allows people to enjoy our lakes and natural areas is what we are all about."
Over 100 people are expected to participate in the triathlon. T-shirts will be given to all athletes who participate and medals will be handed out to finishers. The Lakewood SummerFEST Triathlon is open to athletes age 15 and over. There is a fee to participate but HERO's (military, fire or police personnel) do receive a discount. Information and registration for the event is online at www.lakewoodsummerfesttriathlon.com.
