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A press conference this morning introduced Omaha's first USA Triathlon event, which organizers hope will grow into one of the largest annual events of its kind in the Midwest.
“People are looking for something different,” said Alan Kohll, founder of the Omaha Triathlon and president of Total Wellness. “There's an intense interest in Omaha to have events, and I think this will fit right in.”
The first Omaha Triathlon is scheduled for Aug. 1, 2010. The three-discipline sporting event includes a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike and a 10-kilometer run.
The swimming portion of the event will be held in Carter Lake, the biking portion will pick up at Carter Lake, move along 10th Street to turn around at the Henry Doorly Zoo, then come back along 10th, circle around Eppley Airfield, then wrap up near Carter Lake, where the running portion continues along a riverfront trail.
“Triathlon and Omaha will be a great fit,” said Jay Lerner of the Omaha Sports Commission. “The facilities and community support, along with our great volunteers, will ensure the success of Omaha's first major triathlon. Omaha has proven to be a great sports city, and we are confident that local and visiting athletes will enjoy the experience of a superbly run triathlon.”
Race director Bill Burke runs many of the top triathlons in the country.
“We know there's a need in Omaha,” Kohll said. “It's just about being active.
“We don't have a lot of pro teams, so people either do activities or go to restaurants. I'd rather they do activities.”
Similar events have tournament organizers hopeful of attracting 1,000 competitors for the initial triathlon, with a five-year plan to grow to up to 3,000. Officials tout triathlon participation as one of the fast-growing sports in the country, outpacing even running on a percentage basis in new participants annually.
While many high-level athletes are expected to compete in Omaha, all ages of participants are invited to register. Kohll said he's run in triathlons with competitors as much as 80 years old.
“A lot of people think Ironman (longer distances) when they think triathlon, but those aren't the distances,” Kohll said. “This is like a fourth of that.”
Plans include a festival finish for athletes and spectators, with live music and food.
Individual entry fees are $150, with relay entry fees $170.
The nonprofit event was founded to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles and support the fight against childhood obesity.
More information is available at www.omahatriathlon.com. Registration starts today.
“Around the country Omaha is known as a great sports city and we are pleased another great event is coming to our community,” Mayor Jim Suttle said in a press release. “The competition will take place throughout our community, showcasing our great city to these top athletes.”
Said Lerner: “It's a perfect fit with the Omaha Sports Commission's mission, to create a positive economic impact for Omaha and the region, through attracting, hosting and supporting amateur sporting events.”
Contact the writer:
444-1027, rob.white@owh.com
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