Sprint Triathlon returns to Naperville

The streets of Naperville will be filled with triple-threat athletes of all ages this weekend.

The HRMS Naperville Sprint Triathlon begins at 7 a.m. Sunday at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave.

Roughly 2,000 athletes are expected to participate, about half of whom are from Naperville. They range in age from 10 all the way up to 83.

"The community really opens its arms to having athletes there which is nice," said Ashley Barkley, marketing director for Premier Event Management.

Competitors will start with a 400-meter swim. Four swimmers will enter the water every five seconds in heats based on their estimated time to complete the swim portion.

From the beach they'll hit their bikes for a 12.4-mile ride followed by a 3.1-mile run to the finish line.

Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite athletes from the sidelines.

"It's an exciting event just to see people of all ages competing ... in the triathlon out there biking and swimming for a couple hours," Barkley said.

Participants will be timed using a championship timing system and awards will be given out based on age and gender groupings.

Barkley said because Sunday is a "sprint" it is shorter than other triathlons, making it good for beginners.

"It just gives athletes of all abilities a chance to participate in this type of race," she said.

In addition to Sunday's race, there will also be a fitness expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Naperville Running Company, 20 W. Jefferson Ave.

The expo will be the final time for interested participants to register for the triathlon. The cost is $100 per person or $150 per team. There will be no registration or packet pickup on race day.

The city asks drivers to be aware of street closings from 6 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday. For a full list of closures, visit www.naperville.il.us.

If You Go

What: HRMS Naperville Sprint Triathlon

When: 7 a.m. Sunday

Where: Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville

Registration: $100 per person, $150 per team. Available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Naperville Running Company, 20 W. Jefferson Ave.

Info: www.napervilletri.com