MAC to host 10th annual mini triathlon
MAC Mini
Early registration is underway now for the 10th Annual MAC Mini Triathlon hosted by the Maryville Aquatic Center.
Through July 29 teams can register for $75 or individuals for $30 for the August 6 event.
After July 29 the price goes to $90 per team or $45 per individual.
The event is used as a fundraiser for the MAC. The event has helped fund the purchase of a new PA system and various safety equipment the lifeguards use for training.
Registration can be completed at the Maryville Community Center, 1407 N. Country Club Rd. in Maryville, or online at activityreg.com.
Leading up to the August 6 event, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work being done. Event coordinator and MPR Recreation Coordinator Shelly Hersh said setting up for the event can be exhausting, but is totally worth it come event time.
Our staff really enjoys putting it on, but there is a lot that goes into it,” Hersh said of the MAC Mini. “I think a lot of other people really enjoy this too. Many people that lived here at one time but don’t anymore come back every year to take part. For a lot of people this is something to come back for. It’s definitely worth the time it takes to put this on.”
Hersh said the growth of the MAC Mini speaks for its popularity over the last decade. What use to host maybe a dozen individuals and teams, now hovers between 70 and 80, which has made volunteer work so important.
“First of all, Jackie and Theo Ross have been tremendous at helping coordinate volunteers and setting up med tents,” Hersh said. “The City of Maryville, Public Safety, and the sheriff’s office are all great to make sure roads are blocked and the participants stay safe on their routes. My interns, parents of our swim team, and everyone that has helped over the years, they all help make the event successful. I’ve got a lot of behind the scenes people that make this possible.”
Hersh also said that the MAC Mini couldn’t happen without local sponsorship from places like Northwest Missouri State University and SSM Health St. Francis Hospital which provide support to the event.
While it’s considered a race, Hersh said the mini triathlon is a great way for people to meet physical challenges.
“It’s amazed me at the type of people that have participated in this event,” Hersh said. “You’ll have people 50 and older do it at the same time that a 12-year-old is participating. You also see people competing at different stages in their lives. You’ll see someone run in their younger years, bike as they get older to lessen joint impact, and turn to swimming later on.”
Hersh also said that families or friends of different generations will team up to compete.
“It’s just a great opportunity for people to complete a challenge together,” she said. “And it’s great to see the support turnout for everyone that competes. Friends and families rally around not only the person they came with, but for everyone. It’s a good time for everybody.”
Categories for the event are individual men’s, individual women’s, and team. Each team must have at least one female.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each category.
The mini triathlon will be made up of a 400-meter swim, 10K bike ride, and 5K run. The race will begin and finish at the MAC, 502 N. Laura St. in Maryville.