23rd Annual "Tri for Fun" Event Set for Saturday

Mark Aiton ran in his first triathlon in 1981 and just seven years later, he and his wife Kandee had decided they actually wanted to start their own triathlons for beginners in the Tri-Valley.

After discussing the idea with friends he trained with and wanting to spread the word about his new shoe franchises he had just opened at the time (Fleet Feet),  Aiton found the desire to start "On Your Mark Events" in 1988.

"We said why don't we give it a try. That was all in late '87 and early '88," Aiton said. "The second half of that was after a 14 year corporate career, I was dissatisfied with the world."

Aiton quit his corporate job in 1988.

"Throughout high school and college I was a swimmer and runner and in the late 70s, the sport of triathlons came about," Aiton said. "There was nothing prestigious about them. I just competed in them and enjoyed them."

The first of the Tri for Funs was run in August of 1988 and the Aitons' had 28 people competing.

For almost every August race after that, the competition has turned out the maximum: 1000 competitors. Aiton has never understood why August has had such great numbers in terms of a turnout. They added a July race in 1989 and a June race in 1990.

"They (beginner tri-athletes) wanted a place where they can come and they can start in a safe environment. It was like going to play golf with yourself. You can write your own score and tell people and not get pounded."

The first 2010 "Tri for Fun" event takes place at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton on Saturday, with check-in and race registration at 5:30 a.m., and the start at 7 a.m. Participants will compete in a 400 yard swim, an 11 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. Day-of registration is $75 for individuals, and $200 for a relay team.

Participants are required to bring an ANSI certified bike helmet and a swim cap. Wet suits are allowed but not required. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and are eligible for a raffle at the end of the race.

None of the Tri for Fun events are recorded, but the finishing time is available when competitors cross the finish line. The men's and women's overall winners will receive a soapstone trophy, while the Masters Division winners will receive a glass-etched trophy. The top three winners in the age groups will receive medals.

Approximately 8 to 10 groups or 24 people will be in the relays Aiton said. Often times in a beginner triathlon, one person swims and one bikes and runs, because one competitor is often afraid of doing one of the competitions.

Shadow Cliffs will charge $6 for parking, although it's recommended to carpool. For more information, go to onyourmarkevents.com/TriForFunInfo.