Steamboat Classic Triathlon on April 29

The City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department will host their 29th annual Steamboat Classic Triathlon on Sunday, April 29 at 9 a.m. The triathlon expects 200 participants ages 15 -- 80, with over 50 friends and family members cheering the athletes while competing for first place.

As the triathlon begins participants swim 450 meters in the Central Municipal Pool. After completing 18 laps in the Olympic-size pool, the triathletes adjust to pavement while biking for 15.5 miles, and then conclude with a 5-mile run.

"Many of them are repeat participants, but the sport of triathlon is growing very quickly so we always see new faces," Patrick Watson, Aquatic Supervisor said.

Divisions include men, women and coed with a variety of different age groups. The youth division is under 18, and the masters division is 40 and over.

Those who wish to register may do so individually or in teams. Registering individually, the participant does all three events by themselves, whereas a team typically has three people splitting the triathlon activities.

"The triathlon can take athletes anywhere from one hour and fifteen minutes all the way to three hours to complete. It simply depends on the athlete," Watson said. "Some just do this as a speed workout for a bigger race, others plan exclusively for this and train accordingly."

Trophies are awarded to the top five in each age category and a special prize is given to the top three overall winners. Lunch is provided for all participants after the race.

Individual registration before April 13 is $45, $55 after April 13 and $65 April 27 -- 29. Team registration before April 13 is $55, $65 after April 13 and $75 April 27 -- 29.

For more information contact Patrick Watson 573-339-6340 or pwatson@cityofcape.org.

Registration forms are available online: www.cityofcape.org/recreationevents.