MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Craig A. Stough 8/4/05

"Sylvania Triathlon Celebrating 25^th Anniversary"

The Sylvania Triathlon is celebrating its 25^th anniversary on Sunday, August 14, 2004 at Olander Park and Tam-O-Shanter in Sylvania, Ohio. The Triathlon is a wonderful athletic event in Sylvania, and has been awarded club race series event status for the mideast region of USA Triathlon, composed of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. Clubs from the region will come to score points for their teams.

The Sylvania Triathlon distances emulate the Olympic Triathlon: 1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run. In addition, the Sylvania Triathlon offers athletes a duathlon: 3K run, 40K bike and 10K run, as well as a Sprint distance triathlon, especially designed for the more novice/beginner: 400 yard swim, 13 mile bike and 3 mile run.

Like the recently completed Jamie Farr LPGA championship, the Sylvania Triathlon brings athletes from around the country to Sylvania. Every year the race organizers report increased in participation, bringing more triathlon athletes to Sylvania than the year before. Over 700 athletes participate and bring their family and friends to Sylvania. They are supported by hundreds of volunteers. Hundreds of Sylvania residents will be participating, both as racing participants as well as volunteers.

I have memories of the first Sylvania Triathlon held in 1981 at Olander Park. The swimmers raced north in Olander Lake, changed clothing, and raced their bikes south out of Olander Park. Now the racers swim around Olander Lake and begin biking at Tam-O-Shanter.

I extend the thanks and respect of the Sylvania community to Event Organizer, Jim Donaldson, a champion triathlete himself. Together with his wife, Joyce, his firm, Elite Endeavors, continues to manage this prestigious event along with the host club, Team Toledo Triathlon Club. Best wishes for another great event this year!