San Luis Obispo Triathlon celebrates 40 years
—The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the 40th year of the annual SLO Triathlon in 2019. Registration will open three months earlier than usual so people can kick off the New Year with training goals ahead of the July 28 event at Sinsheimer Park.
For the first two days of registration: Jan. 7 & 8, there will be a special celebration pricing of $40 for individuals and $80 for relay teams. Early Bird registration (Jan. 7 to April 20) is $70/person, $130/relay, Regular registration (April-July) is $80/person, $145/relay.
Over the last 40 years, countless families have participated in the event. The motto of the SLO Tri is “Completion Over Competition” and staff encourage people of all abilities and athletic experiences to sign up or form a relay team and try something new. Participants must be at least 15 years old, and younger family members are encouraged to cheer on teams!
This short course – or sprint – triathlon consists of a half-mile swim, 15-mile bike and 3.1-mile run. Participants are sent on the course in waves throughout the day and can participate as individuals or on relay teams.
The Parks and Recreation Department also needs community volunteers for the day of the event. Every year, more than 300 people are needed to create a successful event for the participants. Volunteers are stationed along the course to provide a variety of services during the event. Volunteers may be asked to count laps at the pool, monitor barricades for vehicle traffic, direct participant traffic on race course and cheer on the participants.