The first triathlons were informal races organized by a group of athletes

in Southern California, many of them marathon runners, who were looking

for a break from the routine of their grueling training regimens. These

competitions evolved into more "official" events, and the

first true triathlon was held in 1974.

From that beginning, the sport has grown to include thousands of triathlons

held every year, in locations around the world. "Triathlon has become

a popular sport for a growing number of competitors," says Marilyn

Franzen, Life Time Fitness' athletic events director. "They

are appealing events because the average person has some experience

in either

biking, swimming or running."

Although the sport requires dedication and training, you don't have

to be a professional athlete to compete. "Triathlons are great for

people looking for a challenge," said professional Triathlete Becky

Gibbs Lavelle. "Whether an athlete looking for a new challenge or

a weekend warrior, it's a great way to reach your physical goals,

while executing a steady workout plan with everyday life."

Life Time Fitness has produced and hosted an annual triathlon since 2002;

it features the largest cash purse in the history of the sport, at

$500,000. It also features a unique timing system called the Equalizer

that pits

the world's best professional triathletes, women and men, against

one another for the first place prize of $250,000.

The Life Time Fitness triathlon features two race distances. The professional

division competes on the Olympic course under the Equalizer timing format.

Amateurs also may compete. Individuals may participate on the Olympic or

Short distance courses, or as part of a relay team. The event also offers

a Corporate Challenge division for interested corporate participants.

New this year are the Clydesdale and Athena divisions, for male athletes

weighing more than 200 pounds and female athletes weighing more than 150

pounds. Top finishers will qualify for the 2004 Team Clydesdale World Games

in Chicago.

Set in Minneapolis, the 2004 Life Time Fitness Triathlon takes place in

a beautiful urban landscape and is shown nationally on NBC Sports. "Life

Time Fitness is a healthy way of life company, and the triathlon celebrates

well-rounded athletes at their peak of training," said Franzen. "This

year's event takes place on July 17 and will feature many professionals

who will go on to compete in the Olympic Games in Athens just a few

weeks later."

Catch the event on NBC nationally this July 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. EST.

But watch out, you just may become yet another of the thousands of thriathletes

participating in this growing sport.

For more information, visit www.lifetimefitness.com.

- ARA Content

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