SOURCE: Lake Norman Family YMCA

Because of increasing popularity and demand, the Lake Norman YMCA’s annual triathlon is now a two-day event. On Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, more than 1,200 athletes from around the Charlotte area and as far as Washington state will assemble in Cornelius to swim, bike and run their way through the Lake Norman area. All proceeds will benefit Lake Norman YMCA Community Outreach programs.

“We are excited about expanding to two days,” says Sabrina Smith, the Lake Norman YMCA Fitness and Wellness Director. “It gives more people a chance to participate, and we think they will appreciate that the new schedule has been broken down into skill levels.”

Experts and more advanced athletes will compete on Saturday, while novices and relay teams will compete on Sunday. The competitions include a 750-meter swim, 30-kilometer bike ride and 5-kilometer run. More about the categories on the YMCA website.

In 2009, the branch’s goal is to raise $215,000 in order to provide more children, individuals and families the opportunity to participate in day camp, afterschool, preschool, swim lessons and active older adult programs.

The branch’s signature outreach programs include the Starfish Academy, which helps 72 first and second graders improve their reading and literacy skills each year, and the Adaptive Water Ski program, which helps participants overcome physical disabilities by learning to ski.

The triathlon is the Lake Norman YMCA’s largest community outreach fundraiser of the year. Funds are raised through participant registration fees and event sponsorships. This year’s sponsors include Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group, Northshore Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center and Run for Your Life.

“The most important thing we want the community to understand is that the large influx of people for the weekend will ultimately help the community,” explains Ms. Smith. “Since 100 percent of all Lake Norman YMCA Community Outreach dollars stay in Lake Norman and more athletes can now participate, there is more revenue for financial assistance and community programs like our Starfish Academy at Cornelius Elementary.”