Weber State Campus Recreation will put on the 10th annual Turkey Triathlon at 9 a.m. Nov. 8.
The Turkey Triathlon was created to promote health and fitness and is open to students, faculty and the community. It is a reverse-sprint triathlon, meaning the legs of the race are shorter distances than normal and they are run in the opposite way of a traditional triathlon.
The race is made up of a 5K run, a 10K bike route and a 300-yard swim. Participants can sign up to do the the 5K run only or can choose to do the whole triathlon as an individual or as part of a team.
The Turkey Triathlon has been going for 10 years and evolves each year. This year, organizers are encouraging participants to dress up in their best turkey gear and have introduced a prize for the best-dressed turkey: a waterproof iPod shuffle.
The traditional prizes for top three overall finishers as well the top three finishers from each age category will still be in place. The three fastest male and female finishers will win a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Campus events like this provide opportunities for Wildcats to set goals and motivate themselves.
“As a registered dietitian and exercise physiologist, I always encourage my clients to set fitness goals, which can mean signing up for an event,” said Julie Hansen, an adjunct nutrition instructor and the dietitian for the Weber State Athletic Department. “It is really empowering for them to be able to cross a finish line and complete their goal.”
Hansen has had the chance to complete many of the previous Turkey Triathlons herself and is on the planning committee for the event this year.
Many people might think that they may not be able to complete a triathlon, but because the Turkey Triathlon is designed as a sprint triathlon, it is a good choice for anyone who is doing their first triathlon, organizers say.
“The event is just a fun way to introduce the campus and surrounding community to triathlons,” said Emily Davidson, the marketing and operations coordinator for Campus Recreation. “Our department values active, healthy lifestyles, and this event fits in perfectly.”
Davidson is also in charge of managing the race this year.
“The Turkey Triathlon is a really good example of an event that is achievable for everyone. The distances are short, and it caters to beginning triathletes and competitive ones as well,” Hansen said. “The Turkey Triathlon also offers a relay event for those who are not ready to take on the entire triathlon.”
