The Gunn Park Trail volunteers are hoping to hold an annual multi-sport competition on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. in the park.

“We may not be able to hold the Tri-Yak-A-Thon this year,” Penny Pollack-Barnes, spokeswoman for the group, said. “In these uncertain times, we decided to hold the event if we have enough interest in the event.  If we have 40 registered participants by September 26 we will hold the event, assuming we don’t experience a COVID surge and the weather cooperates.  So far, we have nine registered participants.”

“We will be observing social distancing recommendations at the event,” she said.  “We expect participants to help us in our efforts to make sure our event does not result in the spread of the Coronavirus.”

Triathalon competitions are multi-sport events that require all-around fitness for the solo participants, Barnes said.

“The variety in activities allows team members with different skills to participate,” she said.  “We make the event ‘off-road’ to show off Fort Scott’s wonderful trail system.”

“The Tri-yak-A-Thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike,” -Barnes, said.  “We will donate all proceeds from the 2020 Tri-Yak-A-Thon to Fort Scott Paws & Claws.”

“The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the animal shelter,” she said.  “The trail run is a 5K, the kayak portion is another 5K, and the bike portion is a 10K.  Participate as a relay team, or if you are tough enough, you can do the entire race as a solo participant.  You must bring your own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike.  Riders must wear a helmet.”

The cost is $35 for individual participants and $75 for each team.

 

Packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM at Shelter House #6.  

Registration will only be available online this year.  Participants must register before the event to avoid people congregating at the registration area.  Online registration will close on September 26.

Registration is online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon.

The race will begin at 10:00 AM. 

“Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our animal shelter,” Barnes said. “While much of the race occurs out of view on the trails, the participants go through our staging area multiple times.  This offers many opportunities to cheer people on.”