Auburn Triathlon

Racing

05/07/2014

Auburn Triathlon
May 18th
www.AuburnTriathlon.com

While it might be best known for its challenging Half Ironman race dubbed as the “World’s Toughest Half,” The Auburn Triathlon is equally prized by participants in all race categories for fun routes and the feeling of support and safety felt by the competitors during the event.

Are You Tough Enough? The Auburn Triathlon attracts a number of top racers, but the event also brings in a wide range of ability levels. There are also three shorter events including an International Triathlon, a Mini Triathlon, and Aquabike. World’s Toughest Half 1.2m swim, 56m bike, 13.1run International 1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run Mini-Triathlon 500m, 13K bike, 4K run Long Course Aquabike 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike Photo: Michael Kirby — Are You Tough Enough?
The Auburn Triathlon attracts a number of top racers, but the event also brings in a wide range of ability levels. There are also three shorter events including an International Triathlon, a Mini Triathlon, and Aquabike.
World’s Toughest Half
1.2m swim, 56m bike, 13.1run
International
1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run
Mini-Triathlon
500m, 13K bike, 4K run
Long Course Aquabike
1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike
Photo: Michael Kirby

Chris Cloyd, a personal trainer from the Performance Training Center in Truckee, says the course has “the best bike leg I’ve ever done in a triathlon.” He loved not only that the ride rolls past beautiful scenery on mostly rural two lane roads, but that it’s packed full of challenging ascents and descents with winding turns. It’s a course that emphasizes bike handling skills, while many triathlons feature bike sections that only measure how hard you can hammer.

Jill Whisler, a Registered Dietician from Tahoe City, competed in last year’s Auburn Triathlon, before traveling to London to compete in the World Triathlon Grand Final. She said the race is a great kick off to the triathlon season. She especially liked the run portion of the event, which lies partially on a road shut to traffic, and partially on a trail, including a portion of the famous Western States Trail.

Given the severe drought conditions in California, the organizers have taken steps to procure several alternatives if low water levels do not allow the swim to occur at its scheduled location on Lake Folsom. There are three potential back-up sites available if needed. “No matter what, the race will go on,” confirms Tahoe Peak Endurance, the company that produces the race.

Tahoe Peak Endurance will also hold a dress rehearsal clinic for the Lake Tahoe Ironman. The clinic takes place on August 8-10 and provides participants with the strategy and tips they need to effectively complete the course. This year they are also adding a Tahoe altitude triathlon preparation camp on June 12-15th. For more information on these clinics, go to tahoepeakendurance.com.

For information on the Auburn Triathlon, or to register, go to AuburnTriathlon.com