Watch for increased bike and runner traffic this Saturday and Sunday
by Dennis Rahm, photos courtesy of Krista Frahm and Chelan Man
The annual Chelan Man multi-sport weekend takes place this Saturday and Sunday featuring triathlon and footrace events for all ages and skill levels. The event is sponsored by the Lake Chelan Multi Sport Foundation, a non-profit group that donates all race profits to arts, literature, and wellness programs for the youth of the Lake Chelan Valley.
This year’s event will feature several triathlons including First Timers, Youth, Sprint, Olympic, and Half-Iron as well as 10K and Half-Marathon runs. The full schedule of events can be found here.
Lakeside Park is a great spectator vantage point since all events start and end there. You are encouraged to park at the Middle School/High School and take advantage of the Link Fun Bus which runs every 30 minutes on Saturday and connects not only to Lakeside Park, but Slidewaters and Don Morse Park as well.
Two of the event organizers Tara and Craig Elsner caution motorists to be aware of bike and runner traffic, especially along the South shore from Lakeside Park to Pat and Mikes. There will be flagger controlled one-way traffic in that area on Saturday from about 7:30 am to as late as 1 pm.
On Sunday, participants will bike and run that part of the course from 8:15 until 11:30 am. Sunday activities will also include a family friendly Splash-N-Dash for youngsters that features a 50-meter swim, 1500-meter bike ride and 300-meter run with all who finish the race to receive a medallion.
It takes more than 200 volunteers to orchestrate the Chelan Man event and Tara Elsner says, “they do it for the community, by the community.” Athletes return to this event year after and come from around the state of Washington as well as many from Oregon and Canada.
For more information on Chelan Man you can visit their website at www.chelanman.com.
