September 4, 2007 > Family Fun Triathlon Family Fun Triathlon By Anuja Seith Clean the dust off your treadmill, run an extra mile under sizzling sun or simply mow your lawn or play soccer to gather strength for Newark's second annual triathlon. A fun community event, it offers an exciting day for all sports loving families, who can run, swim and bike. "We wanted to offer a world of non-competitive triathlon that gives an avenue to families for healthy fun activity," says Rebecca Toussaint, recreation coordinator at Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center. The City of Newark grabbed the opportunity when Kaiser Permanente offered a "generous grant" to host the event. "We have a beautiful aquatic center surrounded by lush grass, so when we saw the grant we decided to host the event to encourage families to learn about triathlon," says Toussaint. The triathlon teams will participate in an indoor swimming competition of 150 yards for six to ten year old kids and 300 yards for ages 11 and up, a 3.35 mile bike course, and a 1.08 mile surface area run. Relay teams and individual racers will compete. Relay teams will consist of a minimum of two people, and maximum of three with at least one relay team member of 6 to15 years, while the individual racers must be 6 to17 years. Not only will the event keep participants sprinting between activities, it will also offer valuable health information and a unique exercise display of state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Participants can win exciting raffle prizes and receive a free event T-shirt. Healthly snacks will be provided by Newark Recreation Services and smoothies provided by Robek, a local sponsor. Family Fun Triathlon Saturday, September 8 Registration begins: 8 a.m. Event: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Silliman Aquatic Center 6800, Mowry Ave., Newark (510) 739-2620 www.newark.org Free event