"First timers" as well as seasoned triathlon veterans are especially welcome as the 11-year old USAT sanctioned Capital of Texas Triathlon makes its exciting, downtown Austin debut on Monday, May 27.

So that many more triathletes and "tri-newbies" feel they can participate in the sport of triathlon, the organizers have arranged five levels of participation:

1) Olympic ($65 fee until May 23...May 26 $75)
2) Sprint ($45 fee until May 23...May 26 $55)
3) First Timers ($35 until May 23...May 26 $45)
4) Olympic Relay ($120 total until May 23...May 26 $130)
5) Sprint Relay ($85 total until May 23...May 26 $95)

(Please note there is no packet pickup or registration the morning of the race.)

Detailed information regarding site maps, online registration, awards by age groups, special divisions, course descriptions and the approved water quality and swimmability of Town Lake are available at www.captextri.com.

Packet pickup will be at the Sports Expo which will be at the City Coliseum on May 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guest speakers and various free triathlon seminars are also on the lineup for the Sports Expo.

For beginners, the triathlon means a 1/4 mile Town Lake swim, 6.2 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run. Those who want to be part of the Olympic Distance Race will swim 1 mile, bike 24.8 miles and run 6.2 miles. And those who are in the Sprint Distance Race will swim 1/2 mile, bike 12.4 miles and run 3.1 miles.

The Austin Parks Foundation will benefit from this event, and the triathlon is part of the fun-filled Austin ParksFest Memorial Day Weekend.

Questions about the Capital of Texas Triathlon? Call event director Brad Davison at (512) 565-9031 or visit. An entry form is available in the May 2002 issue of Runner Triathlete News or easy online registration is available at the event web site. Participants can also pick up forms at Austin bicycle shops, RunTex or at The Sports Expo at City Coliseum, Riverside Drive, May 25 or 26.