U.S. Women's Triathlon Series kicks off in Naperville
The splash of swimmers, the slap of runners' feet hitting the pavement and the whir of bikes whizzing past are all subtle noises.
Together they come out like a scream, providing a voice for the "silent" killer of ovarian cancer at this year's ninth annual U.S. Women's Triathlon Series race in Naperville.
More than 2,200 women will compete in the three-sport event that includes a nearly half-mile swim, 13.6-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile foot race that starts at 7 a.m. Sunday at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, which is devoted to early diagnostic treatment programs and ovarian cancer research.
"It's a great race for a great cause," said Kim Kempf, executive director for Capri Events, which owns the series.
A good place for spectators to gather to catch the most action would likely be at Centennial Beach, where the race begins with the swim, followed by the bike ride that winds its way down to 75th Street and back up, and finishes with the 5K with runners crossing the finish line near the beach.
"The triathlon is everything we did as kids," said organizer Jane Canepa with The Eventors. "That's why it's so popular."
The Naperville event is the first stop in the U.S. Women's Triathlon Series, with others to come in Las Vegas and San Diego. It's also the largest event, with at least 1,000 more participants than each of the other races.
Organizers say participants and spectators need to be mindful of road closures and parking signage as they travel to the event. Construction equipment in the Naperville Central High School parking lot has taken some of the event's parking, so people need to be prepared to park farther away and walk more, Kempf said.
Women can register for the race until Saturday's MultiSport Experience, which runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lifetime Fitness, 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville. Race packet pickup and registration takes place here, in addition to free public clinics on training and nutrition, product demonstrations and bargains on shoes, gear and apparel.
Each triathlon participant receives a medal and awards will go to the top three women in each age group, the top three women in the Elite division, the top three relay teams and top three people overall.
A post-race party runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Grand Pavilion along the Riverwalk west of the beach and is open to all participants, friends, family and volunteers.
Athletes looking for more information about the event can call (773) 404-2372.
For a complete map of the course or more information about road closings and parking, visit uswrs.com.
<p class="factboxheadblack">2009 U.S. Women's Triathlon Series</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 a.m. Sunday, June 14</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.uswts.com" target="new">uswts.com</a></p> <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=299625">Memory of mom pushes daughters to race <span class="date">[6/12/09</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>