The Take the Hill Triathlon will take place on campus on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The Epsilon Pi Alpha Fraternity, as well as community volunteers, will be hosting the event.

Epsilon Pi Alpha alumni, Peter Nerothin, founded Insulindependence, an internationally recognized non-profit organization. As a diabetic and ultra-endurance runner and triathlete, he broke the stereotype that diabetics cannot be active and healthy.

Nerothin and some of his friends come to Gustavus to run the race every year. All proceeds go directly to Insulindependence.org and its affiliate partner, Triabetes.

Insulindependence serves to revolutionize diabetes management. The mission is to inspire diabetics to set personal fitness goals, educate them on adaptive management strategies through hands-on experience, and equip them to explore their individual capacities.

“This translates into an important event for campus because even if you don’t face diabetes, there certainly are members of our community who do. Like many other events on campus the triathlon is a gesture that raises awareness and demonstrates support for those we care about,” Junior Breanna Schlegel said.

The triathlon includes a 500-yard swim in the Lund Natatorium pool, a 12.5-mile out-and-back bike ride through the St. Peter countryside, and a 3.3-mile run through the Gustavus Adolphus College campus. Participants can choose to participate individually or on a team. The teams can consist of two or three athletes. Prizes will also be given out after the race.

“The triathlon is extremely important to my family, friends, and myself. I am so proud our campus does this event and I can’t wait for it to expand in the coming years,” Senior Amy Beck said.

To ensure the safety of all participants, race signs, cones, and volunteers will mark the course. There will also be medical support by the Spine and Sports Institute of Maple Grove, MN.

People that signed up for the triathlon vary from athletes that do triathlons annually to people that are in it for fun and to stay in shape.

“One thing that I really like about all triathlons is that there is always such a positive and motivating atmosphere. There are so many different types of people there ranging from elite triathletes to those hoping to complete their first triathlon, all with the same smile on their face,” First-year Mata Agre said.

Regardless of the individual’s background, they all share one common goal: to race for a good cause.

To register and get details about the triathlon, go to www.takethehilltri.org.

For information about insulindependence, go to insulindependence.org.

 

There’s still time to sign up for the Take the Hill Triathlon!

What: Triathlon through St. Peter and the Gustavus campus to raise money and awareness for Insulindependence.org, a non-profit that supports people with Type-1 diabetes

When: 9:00 a.m. on May 4

Where: Check-in at Lund Arena

Student price: $30 for individual racers,

$45 for relay teams

Register online at www.takethehilltri.org.