Triathletes ready for “Wayne-derful” race

The CNMI officially ushered in the 2005-06 season of multisport this past Saturday with the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation’s first Enticer Series event in Marpi, but the group of first timers got only a taste of the sport of three with distances intended to entice rookies.

There is still an answer for those who missed out on the swim, bike, and run, as the organizers of the first Carolinian-run triathlon on Saipan are hosting the Try Wayne Tri II on Monday, Sept. 5.

The race entails a 1.2km swim around the semi-submerged WWII era tanks in the Saipan lagoon, a 20km bike to the seaport in Puerto Rico and back, and a 5km run to the Japanese tank at Quartermaster Road, and gets started at 7:30am.

Everyone is welcome to enter as participants of varying degrees of physical fitness are encouraged join in the casual concert of coordination without the worry of high expectation.

The first Try Wayne Tri was July 2004 in Raleigh, North Carolina as a result of a group of athletes pitching in to give their friend Wayne Bramlett a hand in training for a triathlon. The format was basically Bramlett against a relay team in a sprint race, and while both sides claimed victory, there is a decidedly different purpose for the Saipan event.

“It’s not about winning; it’s about getting out there, training, being sporty, and looking fabulous while doing it. There’s no way I’ll win, but I’ll be laughing all the way. This, most importantly, is the point of the TWTII—coming across the finish line with a grin. Being sporty isn’t about winning for me—it’s about having fun at sports when you haven’t considered being sporty before,” he said.

Individuals not sure about the challenge will not have to face the triathlon alone, as the TWTII is open to relay teams and athletes interested only in the bike and run portions as well.

In the spirit of open participation, the TWTII seeks out a spirited group of spectators to come to the course with noise makers in hand ready to cheer on the participants by banging on pots and pans with spoons at the finish line.

Following the race, there will be male and female awards friendliness—Mr. and Ms. Congeniality, Costume, and talent, all of which will be awarded by committee. Aside from the prizes, one of the most attractive facets of the TWTII is the absence of an entry fee. There will be a commemorative t-shirt on sale for $10, and it would be best to reserve one as soon as possible.

For more info about the TWTII or to sign up as a volunteer for the Labor Day event, contact Bramlett via email at huengo@att.net or by calling 235-8583.