The 11th annual Turkey Triathlon and 5K Trot returns to Weber State University on Saturday morning.
The sprint triathlon will open at 9 a.m., beginning with a 5K run followed by a 10K bike. Unlike traditional triathlons, the Turkey Triathlon will end with a 300 yd swim, due to the colder weather.
“If you aren’t a strong swimmer or you don’t want to do the swim and the bike, there is a 5K run called the Turkey Trot that goes along with it,” said Rebecca Mabile, the aquatics and safety coordinator.
Registration for Weber State students, faculty and staff is $45 for the full triathlon, and $30 for the 5K run.
Participants also have the option of registering as a team. Each individual can participate in different events of the triathlon, or one person can participate in two events. The cost for registering a team is $50.
Kelly Boyce, coordinator for campus recreation marketing and operations, said that the triathlon is shorter than an average triathlon.
“The sprint triathlon is designed for people interested in trying to pursuing a triathlon,” he said. “It is much smaller than the average triathlon.”
Mabile said that most triathlons average about a 750-yd swim.
“It’s more like a mini-sprint triathlon,” she said, due to the shorter distances.
Boyce said that participants can register at any time leading up to and on the day of the race.
“I think we’re hoping to get 100-125 participants,” Mabile said.
Participants will be divided between men and women, as well as by age group. Winners will be awarded prizes, and there will be a raffle.
Jordan Haramoto will be the turkey mascot for the third year in a row.
“I’m the mascot. I just run around and have spirit,” he said. “I start with the running and giving people high fives … It’s fun.”
He said he tries to help people get in the mood as he moves from event to event during the triathlon.
For more information and to register, go to http://www.weber.edu/races.