Calling Athletes of All Abilities: Moraga’s Popular Triathlon is On the Horizon
On your mark, get set, it's almost time to go, Lamorinda! Our community's most popular triathlon is on the horizon. Read on to find out why it pays to register for this friendly competition, now.
How are those resolutions panning out, Lamorinda? You know, those promises you made to yourself on New Year’s Eve? You said you’d be more fit, more active, more health conscious in 2012.
Perhaps a little athletic inspiration is in order. LamorindaWeb’s suggestion: try a tri.
Three Cheers for the Community
The Moraga Triathlon has been up and, well, running since 2007, quickly earning a reputation as the premier sprint distance triathlon in the region. The event typically attracts several hundred athletes.
Nearly 100 volunteers are on hand the day of the event, too.
“It’s an event that’s near and dear to my heart,” explained Jay Ingram, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Moraga. “It’s an event that every community should have. It’s a nice event from the physical fitness perspective. And the community can get out, it’s one of those feel good kind of events.”
Ingram is something of an expert on community triathlons, having seen how the town of San Luis Obispo embraced its own city triathlon. His involvement in that triathlon dates back to his college years. It was perhaps only a matter of time before Ingram, one of Moraga’s most enthusiastic boosters, put up the starting line in Moraga.
“Back in 2006, there were some conversations between some residents and city staff about bringing an event like this to the Lamorinda area. Next thing you know, a year later, we had our first one,” he reminisced.
“It’s been hugely successful since.”
Registration is Revving Up
“I would encourage everybody to come on out,” he appealed to the community to consider participating in this year’s triathlon – the sixth annual Moraga triathlon – on April 28, 2012.
Registration is in progress and fees vary by age division.
A little incentive: Lamorinda’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), is one of the triathlon’s benefactors.
“This is one of their fundraisers,” said Ingram. “This allows them to do additional trainings in the community and help prepare Lamorinda residents to respond in an emergency.”
CERT volunteers will also be hand the day of the event, assisting along the race route.
On Your Mark …
Get set, go, Lamorinda! There’s really no reason not to participate.
“The health benefits,” pointed out Ingram. “And ours is a multi-generational activity so you have little kids competing with their parents, not necessarily the same distances, but competing in the same event as their parents and even their grandparents.”
The race route is designed for every type of athlete – from novice to super-serious.
“That’s the beauty of this event, triathlon season basically starts in April so this is typically the first event for the serious triathlete. Or, the person who wants to just jump out of bed and participate. That’s what’s nice about this event, being a sprint triathlon,” reasoned Ingram.
There are ribbons for all participants and trophies for the top three finishers in each category.
The community wins, too.
“Local businesses benefit because families typically go out to lunch after, if not breakfast before. There’s more revenue coming in for local businesses here in town.”
Ingram hopes the community will turn out in big numbers for this year’s event, though he gives himself a pass – he won’t be competing. But, he’ll still be racing around on the day of the event.
“No, I don’t actually do the Moraga Triathlon,” he laughed. “I’m busy putting it on.”
He works long days leading up to the event and is lucky to snag an hour of sleep the night before the event.
“I think it would be easier to participate in the event than it would be to put it on,” he said with a smile.
LamorindaWeb is proud to partner with the Town of Moraga as a media sponsor for the sixth annual Moraga Triathlon. Join us for the Moraga Triathlon on April 28, 2012. Race day check-in begins 6:00 a.m. at Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Rd., Moraga. 2012.moragatri.com
Photo courtesy of Town of Moraga/Moraga Tri.