On April 9 and 10, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the University of New Mexico Division of Physical Therapy, the Lobo Triathlon will include an adults’ race, a kids’ race and a Wellness Fair, all on UNM’s Main Campus.
Beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday’s kids’ race will involve separate races and race lengths for children under seven, between 7- and 10-year-olds and between 11- and 15-year-olds. The Wellness Fair will also be held from noon until 5 p.m. at Johnson Field that day.
On Sunday, the adult race begins at 7 a.m. with a five-kilometer run (a double-loop around the campus), a 20-kilometer bike from UNM to Mesa Del Sol and back, and a 400m serpentine swim at the Seidler Natatorium.
“This is a perfect event for both seasoned athletes who are trying to improve their performances, as well as newcomers to the sport,” Lori Peterkin, community liaison at the School of Medicine, said. “The distances are very doable for beginners, and completing the race gives a real feeling of accomplishment.”
Peterkin said the Wellness Fair offers various community tables, including occupational therapists, podiatrists, dentists and more, that promote overall wellness through various healthcare professionals.
UNM Emergency Manager Byron Piatt said he planned and organized the event.
“I’ve been a triathlete for over six years, increasing the distances I’ve raced from sprint, to Olympic, to half and ultimately Full Iron distance races. I completed Ironman Arizona in 2014, and have recently been elected to the Rocky Mountain Region Council of [USA Triathlon],” Piatt said.
This is the triathlon’s third year at UNM. Prior, it was called the Spring Fling Triathlon and was held in Rio Rancho, Piatt said. Lobo Triathlon’s proceeds will benefit the UNM Summer Youth Sports program for children between eight- and fourteen-years-old.
Piatt said he hopes participants, as well as those spectating the event, are ready to have fun.
“Although this is a timed, competitive event and awards will be given, this is also a very beginner-friendly race,” he said. “Most of the athletes will only be racing against themselves and their personal goals. If you’ve never seen a triathlon, you should come out and watch. The atmosphere is energetic, and the excitement is contagious.”
There are two major differences between UNM’s Triathlon and similar events, Piatt said.
“First, we are the only race on the UNM campus. We are able to feature the highlights of our Central Campus and Duck Pond, and the finest swimming venue in the metro area: The Seidler Natatorium. The second difference is that we are a ‘reverse’ triathlon. Typically, races start with a swim, then bike and then run. We start with the run, and then bike and finish in the pool. We do this to spread the field out and minimize the crowding in the pool.”
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Piatt said organizing the event means a lot to him, personally, not only because there are so few opportunities to race locally, but also because the University will be showcased while giving back to the community.
Sierra Smith and Troy Purdom are past Lobo Triathlon participants who plan on racing again this year. Smith, a UNM Office of the Institutional Review Board staff member, participated in the race for the first time in 2015, and said she most enjoyed the supportive atmosphere of the event.
“I find it inspiring. As a professional triathlete, I am motivated and driven by the untapped potential of the human body. To race and see where the boundaries may lie is what gets me up every morning,” she said. “I am humbled and honored to race with everyone. To see many, especially first-timers, take on the challenge of completing a triathlon, face their fears and push their boundaries is amazing.”
Purdom is a teaching assistant for UNM’s Triathlon Training course. He said, in the past, the race’s atmosphere was very positive, as people of all ages, genders and completion levels compete.
“Having the race on the UNM campus is a great medium to integrate both campus and the community,” he said. “The race directors have spent a lot of time to make sure to highlight the best parts of UNM campus and it’s facilities.”
Peterkin said the event celebrates the Division of Physical Therapy.
“Human movement is the essence of physical therapy,” she said. “For them to celebrate their anniversary by being involved in an event that involves physical activity,seems like a natural event for them to be involved in.”
Piatt said physical therapy encourages individuals to be healthy and support an active lifestyle.
“You don’t have to be a super elite athlete to participate. It’s really meant to promote wellness and embrace physical activity,” she said.
Registration deadline for the event is Friday, April 8th. For more information, click here to register.
Elizabeth Sanchez is a staff reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
