More than 1,500 athletes line up for Issaquah triathlon

A field of about 1,500 athletes from all over the Pacific Northwest is expected to line up for the Issaquah Triathlon on Saturday, May 30.

For the ninth year, the eyes of the triathlon community will be on the shores and waters of Lake Sammamish, which is set to host not only the main event, the Triathlon, but also a Duathlon, a kids Triathlon, and 10 kilometer and 5 kilometer run events.

There will also be a Sprint Distance Triathlon, comprised of a quarter-mile swim, a 15 mile bike-ride, and a three-mile run.

This sprint-distance event takes place along the pristine and scenic shores of Lake Sammamish.

In addition to these events, the Issaquah Triathlon this year has a special, added attraction — the chance to beat television personality John Curley.

“It used to be that whenever I felt like exercising, I would lay down until the feeling went away,” said Curley, former host of King 5’s Evening Magazine. “But with age comes wisdom and a commitment to staying fit. I encourage everyone to register at ibeatjohncurley.com. Beat me in the triathlon and win up to $1,000 for a local charity of your choice. It’s fun and easy, and winners who beat me in the triathlon win a Brooks Tech shirt. Unfortunately, it has my face on it.”

“We’re excited John has agreed to participate in the triathlon this year and support local education in the process,” said Mary O’Brien, of Arbor Schools, which organizes and benefits from the event each year. “We hope that anyone ‘on the fence’ about competing will go to John’s website and decide that the possibility of beating him and winning money for their favorite local charity will convince them to participate!”

Event proceeds fund books, computers, sports education and scholarships for low-income students at Arbor Schools, and the Summer Search youth program.

The “Kids TRI” is one of the largest in the state. This year each competitor will have their own timing chip and race packet just like the adults. Organizers encourage participation so everyone gets a medal and there are no 1st, 2nd or 3rd places in the youth events.

A kids bike will be raffled to one of the participants.

To register for the triathlon online, or for more information, visit www.issaquahtri.com, email info@issaquahtri.com or call 425-392-3866.

To register to beat John Curley in the Sprint Triathlon and win money for your favorite charity, go to www.ibeatjohncurley.com/.

The Sprint Distance Triathlon is perfect for experienced triathletes kicking off their 2009 season, and short enough for novices who are just starting to get their feet wet on the tri circuit.

Entry fees range from $20 - $80 and include awards for fastest male and female competitors, finisher awards and event tee-shirts.

Community sponsors keep this competition healthy and vibrant each year — this year’s sponsors include Rowley Properties, Gold’s Gym, Foot Zone, REI, Sammamish Valley Cycle, Spacelabs Healthcare, Body Test Fat and more.