Naperville triathlon brings women out for good cause

Sprinting after toddlers and speed-changing diapers could qualify as nontraditional but effective training for a triathlon.

Or maybe it's the other way around.

Regardless, Jennifer Garrison of Naperville wasn't messing around when it came to getting fit after giving birth just 12 weeks ago.

The 29-year-old Naperville mother of two will be among the 2,500 women expected to participate in Sunday's Subaru Women's Triathlon in downtown Naperville.

The start time is 7 a.m. at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave. The competition includes a nearly half-mile swim, a 13.6-mile bike ride, and a 5K (3.1-mile) race. A celebration will follow the run with food and entertainment.

"It's an awe-inspiring day," said runner Midge Good, who has designs on getting her 17-year-old into the competition this year. "It's women of all shapes, all sizes."

In its ninth year, the event is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Proceeds benefit The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, which focuses on early diagnosis and treatment, as well as research toward a cure.

As last year's champ, Garrison isn't necessarily seeking to defend her title as a three-time winner, but she's hoping to prove herself a serious contender. The bottom line, though, is to continue with a tradition dear to her heart while supporting a worthwhile cause.

"It's more about raising money, and it's a fun race for new runners," said Garrison, who coaches clients online. "It brings me back to why I started doing these (events) in the first place."

While she now participates on the professional triathlete level, Garrison views the Naperville competition as a feel-good community event, where neighbors cheer neighbors and come away with a great feeling of satisfaction.

"I hope I'm in shape enough. I'm just going to stick with my personal goals," she said. "I've missed triathlons. And this one's in my backyard, and my kids can come."

Chris Hartner, owner of Naperville Running Co., said that as a retail sponsor, he helps dozens of women register and get equipped for the big day. Because all of his employees are experienced runners, he says female triathletes often feel assured getting tips or gear from those in the know at his store.

"We do some clinics, too, seeing as so many of the people doing it are first-timers," Hartner said. "A triathlon is more complicated (than a marathon), and people need to learn to understand transition areas (how to switch from one leg of the event to another). We show them the basics."

Participants will walk away, albeit some slowly and sorely, with a tank top, a race number with their name and a bag to commemorate the event. All finishers will receive a medal.

Special awards go to the top three overall finishes and the best three relay teams. The top three women in various age groups in each division also will get an award. Awards for the relay team go to the top three relay teams (two or three members).

Naperville's is the first of four in the U.S. Women's Triathlon Series this summer. The others will take place in Federal Way, Wash., San Antonio and San Diego.

If you go

What: Subaru U.S. Women's Triathlon

When: Starts at 7 a.m. Sunday

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

Who: Roughly 2,500 women athletes

Info: uswomenstriathlon.com