Triathlon Enthusiasts Gear Up for the Sunrise Side Triathlons in East Tawas

This Saturday, the picturesque shores of Tawas Bay will once again buzz with the energy of athletes as the 3 Disciplines Sunrise Side Triathlons kick off its 17th year. Whether you're a seasoned triathlete or a newcomer eager to test your mettle, East Tawas Harbor Park is the place to be.

Organized by the Burton-based 3 Disciplines Racing, and under the experienced eye of Kenny Krell, this event promises a range of competitions suitable for different skill levels. The day will start bright and early at 8 a.m. with the Olympic distance athletes braving a 1,500-meter swim in the open waters of Tawas Bay. They'll be followed by the Sprint competitors at 8:30 a.m. for a 500-meter swim, and the Super Sprint participants will take their marks at 8:50 a.m. for a 200-meter swim.

But that's not all—there's something for everyone. The Sprint Duathlon challenges participants with a 2.5k run, a 20k bike ride, and another 5k run to the finish. For those who prefer to stick to swimming and cycling, the Olympic and Sprint Aquabike events are perfect, while the Sprint Kaya-Tri adds a unique twist with a two-mile kayak or stand-up paddleboard stint, followed by a 20k bike ride and a 5k run.

The course itself is a triathlete's dream. Post-swim, athletes will find themselves pedaling through the serene, pine tree-lined paths of the Huron National Forest—a route that Kenny Krell describes as possibly the best the organization offers. "If you count 20 cars past the 2-mile mark, it'll be a surprise," says Krell, highlighting the tranquility and smoothness of the route.

Transitioning from biking to running, competitors will navigate the charming streets of East Tawas. It's not just about the physical challenge, but also about soaking in the local scenery and community spirit.

Last year's event saw some impressive performances, with Matt Albin, a 52-year-old from South Branch, clinching the overall win in the Olympic distance triathlon with a time of 2:29:24. Not far behind, Kristy Kintop from St. Francis, Wisconsin, led the female contingent with a commendable time of 2:50:04, placing seventh overall.

Local athletes have also shown strong performances. Joshua Jordan from Tawas City finished ninth overall with a time of 3:04:49, and James Bacarella from East Tawas crossed the finish line in 3:51:00, securing the 20th place.

As with any event dependent on Mother Nature's whims, participants are hopeful for favorable conditions this year. The 2021 edition had to be converted into a duathlon for safety reasons due to rough water conditions, a reminder of the unpredictable elements of open-water sports.

Whether you're competing, cheering from the sidelines, or following the updates from afar, the Sunrise Side Triathlons is more than just a race; it's a celebration of endurance, community, and personal achievement. So, let's set the stage for another memorable day at Tawas Bay, where the spirit of triathlon thrives against a backdrop of natural beauty.

When and where is the Triathlon taking place?

The Triathlon will be held on Saturday at East Tawas Harbor Park along the Tawas Bay shoreline.

What types of events are included in the Triathlon?

The event includes seven distance events: Olympic, Sprint, and Super Sprint triathlons, Sprint duathlon, Olympic and Sprint Aquabike, and Sprint Kaya-Tri.

What is the schedule for the swim portion of the Triathlon?

The Olympic athletes will start at 8 a.m. with a 1,500-meter swim, followed by Sprint distance athletes at 8:30 a.m. for a 500-meter swim, and Super Sprint distance athletes at 8:50 a.m. for a 200-meter swim.

What happens if weather conditions are unfavorable?

If weather conditions, such as winds and waves, lead to unsafe water conditions, the swim portion may be canceled and the event turned into a duathlon.

What are the distances for the different events in the Triathlon?

- Olympic triathlon: 1,500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike, and 10-kilometer run - Sprint triathlon: 500-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run - Super Sprint triathlon: 200-meter swim, 10-kilometer bike, and 1-mile run.