Naperville's tiny triathlon for everyone
The NaperDink Triathlon is not your typical race.
You know the kind: you swim a long way, you bike a long way, you run a long way and then you finally collapse across the finish line hoping you'll still be able to walk tomorrow.
This isn't quite that strenuous. In fact, organizers of the Naperville event say it's "so dinky, anyone can do it."
"It's a very casual, get-off-the-couch triathlon," said Rich Cullen, an organizer and participant in last year's inaugural "race."
Without the pressure of a ticking clock - or much of anything else, for that matter - the NaperDink Triathlon is what co-chairwoman Mary Lou Wehrli describes as a beginner's opportunity to bike, hike and relax in the water while contributing to a good cause.
The event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, begins at 8 a.m. for adults and 10 a.m. for all ages Saturday, July 25, at Centennial Beach, 320 Jackson Ave.
Participants will bike two miles to Pioneer Park on the DuPage River Trail, hike a half-mile around the park and then bike back to Centennial Beach.
The floating portion begins at 9 a.m. for adults and 11 a.m. for any other participants. Adults are allowed to bring a flotation device for the adult float, but most of those devices will have to be put away for the open swim.
"It's something to encourage people to get out of the house and enjoy the beach," Wehrli said.
Breakfast will be served between 9 a.m. and noon at Centennial Beach. Participants will be able to choose from the selection of pancakes, bacon or sausage, fruit salad, orange juice and coffee at 9 a.m. for adults and 11 a.m. for everyone.
The entry fee of $30 for adults, $20 for youths between the ages of 6 and 17 and $75 for families includes a safety-green T-shirt, admission to Centennial Beach, breakfast, a goodie bag and a participation ribbon. Children 5 and younger get in free. Preregistration is encouraged. Participants who sign up the day of the event will have to pay an additional $5. For information, visit www.naperdink.com.
Proceeds will benefit three Rotarian causes: Meals on Wheels, scholarships for area students, and food and supplies for Tikondone, Zambia.
Cullen, who is a Rotary member, has participated in actual triathlons since 1984. He said this unique event is much different, of course, and everyone is a winner.
"It's just fun," he said. "The money goes for causes that Rotary supports, (you) get to meet some people and it's a win-win situation."
Cullen says he's happy the triathlon takes advantage of the bike trail, Pioneer Park and what he calls the crown jewel of Naperville, Centennial Beach.
"You get to sample the Naperville amenities that you might not be aware of," he said
Roy Grundy and his wife, Priscilla, also participated in what Roy calls a fun and easy-to-do event.
Although Roy, a Rotary Member and Naperville resident, is unable to attend this year, he said he recommends it to people so they can come see for themselves.
"You do something good for yourself, something for the city," he said.
Wehrli, who also has participated in triathlons in the past, came up with the idea after talking with family and friends about creating a triathlon that's not full of the pressures timed ones have.
After having a small inaugural NaperDink Triathlon last year, Wehrli is hoping to get the community involved with a goal of at least 300 participants.
"I think it's fun and healthy and it's in a beautiful part of our town," she said. "They're getting a good value in this special event."
If you go
What: NaperDink Triathlon
When: 8 a.m. for adults and 10 a.m. for all ages on Saturday, July 25.
Where: Centennial Beach, 320 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for youths between the ages of 6 and 17, $75 for families and children 5 and under get in free.
Info: naperdink.com