HPER Triathlon: UNCP hosts its first fun event

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UNC Pembroke’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department (HPER) will hold a triathlon on Saturday, April 30, at 7 a.m. on campus.

The first HPER Triathlon will feature a 150-yard swim, 10.5-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run/walk, all on UNCP’s campus. Entry is $20 for individuals (age 18 and older) and $60 for teams.

To get a registration form or more information, please contact Dr. Marian Wooten at 910.521.6347 or marian.wooten@uncp.edu.

It’s about fun, health and wellness event organizers say. All entrants will receive a t-shirt and medal and refreshments will be available after the event.

Three senior-level students Recreation Management majors – Clayon Conner, Faye Corbett and Matt McGovern – are serving as race planners.

“This the third race we’ve organized a class projects, said Corbett, an international student and member of UNCP’s women’s soccer team.

“I want to go into coaching or parks and recreation, so this is good experience,” said McGovern, who is also an international student and former member or the baseball team.

“I think the free food will be a draw for students, but it will be a lot of fun for the participants,” said Conner.

Corbett will put the word out to students on FaceBook, and Conner is designing flyers.

Dr. Tommy Thompson said the event is part of HPER’s community outreach for health and wellness.

“First timers are welcome, and we think this is an appropriate event for anyone interested in this type of activity,” Dr. Thompson said. “I think it would be good family fun.”

While the student-organizers are working, Dr. Thompson will be on the course as part of a team with his wife and Dr. Wooten, who said the HPER Triathlon is their second event as a team.

“We went to a triathlon in N. Myrtle Beach to see how it works,” Dr. Wooten said. “We all thought it was more fun to participate as a team.”

Each member of a team may enter all events for a combined team time, or members can participate in one event each like a relay.

“Triathlons have become very popular, and our hope it that it inspires people in our community to enter and enjoy themselves in a healthy activity,” Dr. Wooten said. “A triathlon has the benefit of adding variety to training programs.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Mary Guy Beaver Memorial Scholarship Fund, which benefits students studying Health, Physical Education and Recreation.