PAUL BUNYAN TRIATHLON

Saturday

July 26, 2008

1/2 Mile Swim • 12 Mile Bike • 3 Mile Run

Bemidji , Minnesota

8:00 a.m.

This is race #3 of the Doggone Triathlon Series

The 3rd Annual Paul Bunyan Triathlon will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2008. Bemidji is located 200 mile north of the Twin Cities and is a recreational center for the northern part of the state. Bemidji State University and Diamond Point Park will provide a backdrop for this fun, exciting event. Whether training for the Ironman or participating in your first triathlon, we will make sure that you have an excellent experience.

Directions to Diamond Point Park

This park and beach is located on/next to the Bemidji State University Campus.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=1800+Birchmont+Dr+NE&city=Bemidji&state=MN&zipcode=

Event Information

Transition Area - For safety and security, only competitors are allowed in the transition area.  The transition area is on grass so riding your bike is not allowed in the transition area.  Everyone must wear an approved bike helmet.  Bike helmets must always be buckled.

The 1/2 Mile Swim – The swim will be out and back.  Keep the buoys on your right.  Swim caps are provided.  Lifeguards will be on kayaks and are there for your safety.  Please be aware that the area where we are swimming drops off fast.  If you need to rest, let a lifeguard know.  You will not be penalized for resting on a kayak.

The Bike - http://vacationsports.com/pbbikemap.html

The Bike course is basically an out and back with a short loop around a large block at the turn around.  The course exits Diamond Point park heading north (right) on Birchmont Dr.  Bikers stay on Birchmont Dr until it ends at Bemidji Ave. N.(Highway 21).  Bikers stay heading north on Bemidji Ave until they hit Country Club Rd.  At Country Club Rd, bikes take a right.  Country Club Road will take them to Birchmont Beach Road NE where they will turn right again and begin their trip back to Diamond Point.  Birchmont Beach Road will end at Bemidji Road.  Bikers will take a left at Bemidji Road, staying on the east side of the road, the same side as before.  The shoulder at this portion of the course is wide and there may still be a few bikers heading out.  Please keep bikers on your left and use caution.  After a short stretch on Bemidji Road, bikers will be directed back on Birchmont drive, which will take you back to Diamond Point.  All corners will have volunteers for directions and safety.  The bike course is not closed to traffic.  Always use caution!  Drafting is not allowed.  Helmets must be worn.

The Run – http://vacationsports.com/runcoursepbtri.html

The 3 mile run is out and back, with the turn around at Paul and Babe in downtown Bemidji.  When you exit the transition area, you will run around the outside of the stadium on the lake side coming out and turning left(south)on the sidewalk on Birchmont Drive.  At 12th street NE you will turn left and run to Lake Blvd. Lake Blvd will take you to the park with Paul and Babe.  Circle clockwise around them and return on the same course.  When you arrive back at the park, you will be directed to the track inside the stadium and there you will need to complete one lap.  There is a water stop at the start of the run and mid-way so three water stops on the run

Be prepared for any type of weather.  The weather outlook looks good for Saturday.  Still be ready for any type of weather.  The event will take place rain or shine.

If you have any other questions, the best way to reach me is on my cell phone 651/428-9697 or email rfulton@vacationsports.com

Entry Fees

Awards - will be presented to the top three in each age group, Elite, Clydesdale, Athena and team. Age Groups( men and women): 19 and under, 20-24, 25 -29, 30-34, 35 -39, 40-44, 45 - 49, 50-54, 54 - 59, 60-64, 65 - 69, 70 and above. Teams include male, female and coed.

Teams - Teams are always welcome and encouraged. Find some friends that will compliment your strengths. Teams can be mixed(at least one female), male or female. If you don't have a team, let us know and we will try to help you find one.

Clydesdale/Athena - Men weighing 200 lbs. plus and women weighing 145 lbs. plus are qualified to enter the Clydesdale/Althena Division.

Elite and Clydesdale/Althena division athletes are not eligible for age group awards. Elite Athletes will be the first wave to start the race

The phone number for Vacation Sports is (651)653-7401.