Triathletes are running to SL

Interest is running high for the 13th running of “Storm the Lake,” the Hy-Noon Kiwanis Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon set for Saturday, Aug. 16.

As of Monday this week, there were 91 contestants entered, according to event director Duane Queen. This compares to 74 at the same time last year, when 98 ended up competing. So prospects are good for breaking the century mark next weekend.

The race begins and ends at Awaysis Park. For triathlon participants it includes a 600 meter swim in King’s Pointe bay, followed by a 12 mile bike ride around the lake and a 5k run along the lake and back to King’s Pointe.

The duathlon is a one mile run, 12 mile bike ride and 5k run, all along the same race route as the triathlon.

Starting time is 7 a.m., so motorists should be on the lookout for a hundred and some riders and runners along the shores of Storm Lake for a couple hours that morning.

There are 62 first-time participants so far, including three five-timers, seven four-timers, seven three-timers and 12 two-timers registered to date. Late registrants can be handled up until race day. Competitors range in age from 14 to sometimes over 65 (not this humble reporter, however).

Queen reports good support from the community. The event is staffed primarily by Kiwanis volunteers. After expenses the Kiwanians hope to net as much as $10,000 which will benefit the Kiwanis Neighborhood Park Project and local youth projects.

Two weeks later the Kiwanians will host their 19th annual Escape to the Lake Kar Show, which will attract dozens of classic cars from around the Midwest to Chautauqua Park on Sunday, Aug. 31. Proceeds will also go to community youth activities.