The races will be challenging but achievable, even for first-time triathletes and will include a 400-meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run/walk.
AARP is encouraging people to prepare for the event by getting fit with friends. Relay teams of three people will be welcome, according to organizers.
“AARP is committed to promoting health and fitness for everyone, especially Boomers. The Tri-Umph! Classic makes it fun for people of all fitness levels to participate in physical activity,” said Von Valletta, state president of AARP North Carolina.
“We applaud AARP for conducting a triathlon series specifically for the 50+ age group since no one has ever done this before,” said B.J. Hoeptner Evans, communications director for USA Triathlon. “We hope the Tri-Umph! Classic events inspire Boomers to incorporate exercise into their lives.”
AARP is urging North Carolinians to put down the remote, get on their feet and add a little “umph!” to their lives by participating in the Tri-Umph! Classic, the first-ever multi-sport challenge geared towards people 50 and older.
As part of the program, AARP and USAT are providing training programs led by certified coaches to help participants prepare for the event. The Pinehurst training session will be held Oct. 20 and training will also be available that day in the Raleigh-Durham area.
The state AARP office was instrumental in bringing the event to Pinehurst, noting that other sites are in much larger metropolitan areas: Chicago, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Honolulu. “That’s pretty good company,” said Suzanne Cameron, regional director for AARP.
The Pinehurst event will be based at the FirstHealth of the Carolinas Fitness and Health Center, which boasts a large indoor pool (site of the swimming event) plus extensive parking areas that will serve as transition zones for the biking and running segments. The race routes will be mapped out on the scenic roadways in and around the village of Pinehurst.
FirstHealth will host a pre-event expo on Oct. 19 from 4-8 p.m. As participants arrive to pick up their race packets, a variety of activities will be available for the triathletes, their families and friends.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the National Park Foundation. For more information on the Tri-Umph! Classic, or to register, go to www.aarp.org/triumph or call 1-800-424-3410
The Tri-Umph! Classic program is just one of AARP’s initiatives aimed at meeting the changing needs of today’s Boomers. Research shows that today’s 50+ population has a different attitude than previous generations and, as a result, AARP is developing new programs and services to meet the needs of all it members. These programs include physical activities, creativity workshops, and resources to help with personal lifestyle choices. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over.
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the multi-sport disciplines of triathlon and duathlon in the United States.
