Pokagon to host 5th annual Pokagon Triathlon and 5K Run/Walk

Indiana DNR Release:

On Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m., Pokagon State Park will host the 5th annual Pokagon State Park Triathlon.

This Olympic-distance event will be staged at the park’s CCC shelter. The triathlon will consist of a 1.5-kilometer swim from the Pokagon main beach, along the popular Lake James slalom ski course. Next, athletes will transition to a 40-kilometer bike ride on roads over the rolling terrain featuring the fields, forests and wetlands of rural Steuben County. The final leg of the event will be a 10-kilometer run on the rolling and wooded trails of Pokagon.

The race will begin in two waves separated by three to five minutes. Men will begin first,then women. All participants will receive a gift bag containing a race T-shirt and triathlon-related gear, and be able to take part in post-race festivities, and a picnic.

Also, occurring during the triathlon and beginning at the CCC shelter, will be a separate, benefit event, the Steve Parker/ALS 5K Run/Walk, honoring the life and work of the long-time running and fitness enthusiast. The entrance fee is $20, and registration can be done using the same website information as for the triathlon. Start time is 9:45 a.m.

Advanced individual race fee is $60 for USA Triathlon Association (USAT) members and $70 for non-USAT members. Team race fee is $120 for USAT members and $130
for non-USAT members. Day-of-race fees will have $25 added to each category.

The event is being organized and conducted by TriFort Triathletes. This year’s event recognizes and benefits the National YMCA Strong Kids Program. To volunteer at the event or to join as a sponsor, contact TriFort Triathletes at
www.teamtrifort.com.

For more information and to register online, visit www.active.com or www.teamtrifort.com and follow the links to the race. Registration and packet pick-up
will take place on Friday, May 20, from 3-8 p.m. at the park’s Potawatomi Inn. There will also be race-day registration at the CCC shelter from 7-8 a.m. on May 21, but participants are encouraged to register ahead of time.

For overnight lodging at Potawatomi Inn, contact www.indianainns.com, or call 1-877-Lodges1. For information on camping at Pokagon, contact www.camp.IN.gov, or call 1-866-6campIN.

On race day, the normal park entrance fee will be in effect.