By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Don't miss out on your opportunity to participate in one of the fastest growing sports.
On Saturday, Sept. 3, athletes from around the country can compete in the 24th annual Niles Noon Optimist Club Triathlon and Duathlon.
The Niles Triathlon and Duathlon is the major fund raising event of the Optimist Club. Profits from this event are used to support the many youth activities and community service projects conducted by the Niles Noon Optimist Club throughout the year.
Registration for the event begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Howard Township Fire Station for those wishing to participate.
The registration fee for the solo triathlon and solo duathlon is $50, plus $9 for a one day USAT membership for non-USAT members.
The registration fee for the relay triathlon and relay duathlon is $70, plus the $9 one day USAT membership for any team composed of all non-USAT members.
The Niles Noon Optimist Club Triathlon and Duathlon is part of the Michigan Grand Prix series, which is a series of nine events.
The triathlon consists of a half mile swim, then a 20.5 -mile run and a five mile run.
In the duathlon participants begin with a five-kilometer run and then join the triathletes for the last two event. Several athletes chose to run only the five-kilometer run.