Penny Pollack Barnes commented to Frank Halsey, organizer of the annual TriYakAthon at Gunn Park, that he ought to think about getting someone to help organize the event. This comment was in July at the annual bike race that Halsey initiated, called the Marmaton Masacre.

Halsey took her up on the offer.

Since August, Pollack has been helping to get sponsors for the event and getting t-shirts orders, she said.

“Frank does so much for the trails,” Pollack said. “He’s doing the dirty work. I’m doing logistics.”

Currently, Halsey is getting the trails marked for the event that starts at 8 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 14.

Over the last several years, Halsey mapped out, then built the trails and continually maintains them. He is an avid mountain biker.

Pollack is a runner and has been involved with some of the events that Halsey has organized on the trails.

“I like the multi-sport aspect of the TriYakAthon,” Pollack said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Registration starts at 8 a.m. for the 5th Annual TriYakAthon and the contest start time is 10 a.m.

There are 4 miles of running, 2.5 miles of Marmaton River kayaking, and 6.5 miles of cross-country mountain biking in the TriYakAthon.

Competitors can go solo for $35 or be part of a relay team for $60. Online registration deadline is Thursday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. To register, check out their Facebook page.

This year the proceeds from the event will go to a multi-sensory playground at Ellis Park, 1182 E. 12th Street, south of the middle school.

“It will be a special park that kids with disabilities will be able to use,” Pollack said.

The multi-sport event for the TriYakAthon involves running, kayaking and mountain biking. Photo taken from the event Facebook page.