Posted: May 12, 2004

Triathlon: On Your Mark Event's Triathlon Series Prepares for Its 17th Season

By Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series News Release

After 17 years, On Your Mark Event’s Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series must still be one of the few triathlons that is marked down on the calendars of seasoned triathletes, as well as those who have never participated in an organized swim, bike, and run event in their lifetime. On Saturday, June 19, Shadow Cliffs Park in Pleasanton, Calif., On Your Mark Event’s Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series will kick off its 17h season with its usual full field of athletes of all skills, ages and experience.

Why does this triathlon still thrive so well after so many years? Many participants will tell you it’s the entire the experience: the friendly and fun atmosphere, pleasant scenery, and a great course. Triathlete magazine agrees, when it named the Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series as one of the best triathlons in Northern America.

"Providing a fantastic experience for everyone, it’s truly our main goal with the Tri-For-Fun," says On Your Mark Events co-principal Mark Aiton. "We have made so many wonderful friends through the years because of the Tri-For-Fun. There are now literally thousands of people who cut their triathlon teeth with the Tri-For-Fun, and they keep coming back, as well as take part with our other longer-distance triathlons."

Utilizing the lake and rolling hills of Shadow Cliff Park and the flat paved roads running through Pleasanton and Livermore, the Tri-For-Fun features a course distance of 400-yard swim (warm, clean lake); 11-mile bike (loop course, flat streets); 3-mile run (rolling fire trail). The course is perfect for the newcomer as well as the seasoned triathlete. Along with the shorter (than usual tri distance) course and the safe, friendly and non-competitive atmosphere, the Tri-For-Fun makes an excellent event for the numerous first-time triathletes. It’s not unusual to see a 10 year old running along side with a 70 year old. Though the three Tri-For-Fun triathlons are not competitive, there is a large timing clock so each participant can check on his/her time personal achievement.

Approximately 40% of the triathlon field of each event are first-time triathletes. There are always a half dozen groups-in-training (participants of 30 to 60 beginners training through various Bay Area health clubs) that are mixed into the crowd.

Also noteworthy with the Tri-For-Fun is the higher ratio of female participants over male. Many of the female attendees tell Aiton how much they like the pleasant atmosphere and they don’t feel like they are going to get knocked over on their bike by some guy trying to break a "world’s record." "Through the past five years, we can usually count on 60-percent of the participants [with all four triathlons] being female," says Aiton. "I’m still looking for an organized co-ed triathlon in the nation that has such a ratio."

After the novice athletes master the first three Tri-For-Funs, the can meet the challenge of the final event – the Tri-For Real. The final event of the series is held at the same location, but the distances have been increased to 700-yard swim, 20-mile bike, and 4-mile run.

Many veteran triathletes say the Tri-For-Fun Series provides the ultimate training and practice session for longer-distance triathlons. The consistent course also allows routine time-trial checks of fitness or gives an outstanding "brick" workout for the experienced triathlete. These participants use the short-course triathlons to sharpen their racing and transition techniques.

The 2004 On Your Mark Tri-For-Fun Series dates are June 19, July 17, and August 21. The Tri-For-Real will be held on September 12. All races will start at 7 a.m., at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton, Calif. There is a 1,000-participant maximum for each triathlon. All four triathlons will sell out.

To register or to receive more information about On Your Mark Events’ Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Series, call 209.79.7832 or e-mail them at info@onyourmarkevents.com or visit their Web site at www.onyourmarkevents.com.

Since 1988 "On Your Mark" Event Management has produced, managed, and provided timing and results services for more than 500 sporting events. These numerous sporting events include runs, duathlons, triathlons, bike races, swimming competitions, and track and field meets. Headquartered in Arnold, Calif., (central Sierra), the company is directed by (co-principals and husband and wife) Mark and Kandee Aiton. On Your Mark Events maintains a Web site at www.onyourmarkevents.com.