PULTE HOMES STEPS UP TO GOLD SPONSORSHIP FOR WOODRIDGE ROTARY CLUB'S 16TH MINI TRIATHLON

Pulte Homes, which is creating a subdivision of 149 single-family homes in Woodridge called Timbers Edge, has committed to being a $2,500 Gold Sponsor for this year’s Woodridge Rotary Club’s annual mini triathlon.

Early Bird Registration for the Woodridge Rotary Club’s 16th Mini Triathlon began March 1 and runs through June 30. The Mini Triathlon, held at the Woodridge Park District’s award-winning Cypress Cove Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Avenue, Woodridge on Sunday, August 16, is Chicagoland’s largest Mini Triathlon and is the major fundraiser for the Woodridge Rotary Club.

The Woodridge Club helps children and families with food and social service assistance, holds an annual coat drive for homeless veterans and the Hines Hospital Fisher House, and provides scholarships to Woodridge high school students who excel in service to others. Since 2013 more than 30 projects and organizations have been supported by proceeds from the Mini Triathlon

Pulte employees have a tradition of being involved in local charities, non-profit organizations, youth groups, schools and municipal improvement projects in the communities in which they build homes. They also work with Operation Finally Home to provide housing for veterans and their families, recently completing a home in Woodstock, IL.

“The partnership of Pulte and the Woodridge Rotary Club continues a tradition that benefits all the residents of the area. This is a great community social and athletic activity—and our sponsors help support many worthy community projects,” said Katy Rush, Woodridge Rotary President.

1000 participants are expected to line up for this year’s triathlon event. Over the past 15 years, this event has grown from its start as a very local event with 44 participants. Many states and more than 100 communities are now represented by the participants.

To reinforce the community aspect of the event, each participant can select a local organization at registration, and the Woodridge Club will donate $5 to that group. Last year $4330 was distributed to West Suburban Community Pantry, SEASPAR, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer, Habitat for Humanity, Family Shelter Services, and Hopes Front Door.

The Mini Triathlon is geared towards athletes of all abilities, age, shapes and sizes. Whether participants are rookie triathletes, seasoned veterans in training, or weekend warriors, the event is the perfect distance: a 250 yard swim (10 lengths of the pool), a 10K (6.2 mile) bike ride, and then a 2 mile run. Early Bird fees are $50/person for individuals and $25 per relay team member.

The KiDs Event, for youth athletes under 12, starts at 10:30, and includes a 100 yard swim (4 lengths of the pool), a 5K (3.1 mile) bike ride and a 1 mile run. Early Bird fees for kids are $40 for individuals and $15 per each relay team member.

Participants receive a t-shirt, snacks, a chance to win a bike, and food and beverage after the event, in addition to the satisfaction of completing a grueling physical challenge.

Full information, including course maps, is at www.woodridgerotary.org.