April 21, 2010
Annual Doc Spackman triathlon set for May 1
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A popular tradition returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on May 1.
The 27th annual Doc Spackman Memorial Triathlon features a 385-yard swim and a five-mile bicycle ride, capped by a two-mile run. You can compete individually or in teams of three with each person competing in a single leg of the race.
People of all ages are welcome to participate, although parents must sign a waiver for anyone younger than 18 years. Everyone is welcome. You need not be an SIUC student, graduate or employee to join in the fun.
The triathlon bears the name of the late Robert “Doc” Spackman, a nationally recognized physical fitness expert who was a longtime SIUC athletics trainer.
There are three competition brackets. The elite wave is for the top five 2009 competitors, men under age 30 and those who anticipate a finish time under 40 minutes. The competitor wave is for all other individuals, while teams compete in the team wave.
In addition, you’ll compete in appropriate age groups. There are divisions for wheelchair and youths, too. Relay teams can be all men, all women or co-recreational and will compete by combined ages or in a separate division if they’re specialty groups.
Registrations are due at the Student Recreation Center administrative office by 6 p. m. on April 29. The registration fees are $15 for individuals and $25 for teams. The competition is limited to the first 25 teams and 300 individuals to register.
If spots remain, late registrations are acceptable although the fee is $20 for individuals or $30 for teams.
All participants must sign in between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. on race day at campus lake beach and must provide their own equipment. The race begins at 8 a.m.
The top male and female finishers along with the fastest three finishers in each age group of the men’s, women’s and youth individual competitions will get a plaque. So will the top junior, senior and specialty teams in the men’s, women’s and co-recreational divisions and the top male and female wheelchair division finishers.
Participants may also choose to contribute to the Robert R. Spackman Scholarship Fund. The fund is a living legacy award that goes to an outstanding student athletic trainer at SIUC each year in Spackman’s honor.
Entry forms and details about the Doc Spackman Memorial Triathlon are online at www.reccenter.siu.edu/ under the “special events” heading.
For more information, contact Kathy Hollister at the SIUC Student Recreation Center by calling 618/453-1267 or e-mailinghollistr@siu.edu.