The all-women’s triathlon will make its annual stop at Steel Lake Park this weekend.
The SheROX Federal Way Women’s Triathlon will take place for the seventh time in the last eight years on July 10. The triathlon took a one-year hiatus in 2009 because the previous organizers of the event weren’t seeing the growth they expected.
Steel Lake Park will host the third stop on a nine-city national triathlon series, which also includes places like Detroit, Philadelphia, San Diego and Bermuda.
This year also marks the second time that the SheROX triathlon will be held in July. During its first five appearances, the race was held in September. Organizers moved the event to July to encourage more interest.
Last year, Mother Nature was kind to the 252 women who made their way to Federal Way, showering them with perfectly blue skies and sunshine during the race.
A portion of the proceeds from the SheROX triathlon series benefits The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Inc. (OCRF), which is devoted to the formulation of early diagnostic treatment programs and research toward the ultimate conquest of ovarian cancer.
Known for its supportive atmosphere, the SheROX Triathlon Series appeals to women of all ages and athletic abilities. Some are serious competitors preparing for marathons later this year. Some are trying to get back in shape following a pregnancy or unexpected weight gain, while others participate just to have fun. This year, racers range in age from 18 to 68. Most are from the Northwest, although several are traveling from the East Coast to compete.
The top local finisher at last year’s race was 49-year-old Pam Thomas. The Federal Way resident finished 24th overall in a time of 1:44.16. Thomas is part of Total KAOS Tri Team, which frequently competes throughout the state and elsewhere in triathlons.
Total KAOS, which also includes local residents Denise Barwick, Terrina Marchant and Tracey Mershon, run in memory of Thomas’ mother, Jeanette Trotter, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer six years ago at age 65. To date, more than $1 million for ovarian cancer research.
Seattle’s Kirstin Wier finished the sprint course in 1 hour, 29:31 — which was just 31 seconds ahead of the second-place runner, 15-year-old Emily Tacke of Edgewood.
The Federal Way triathlon has drawn rave reviews from fans and athletes because it features one venue that is able to house transition areas for all three events — swim, bike and run — along with the finish line. That is different from a lot of the other large triathlons around the country.
The cost of the race is $85 and $140 for a relay team. For more information, visit sherox.com.
SheROX Federal Way US Women’s Triathlon
• WHAT: SheROX Federal Way Triathlon, one of the first all-women triathlons in the region
• WHEN: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday, July 10
• WHERE: Steel Lake Park, 2410 S. 312th St., Federal Way
• DISTANCE: Sprint course: .75 kilometers (.46 mile) swim, 19.5k (12 miles) bike, 6.5k (4 miles) run
• BENEFIT: Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
• SERIES SPONSORS: National series sponsors are: TYR, LUNA and Life Time Fitness. Federal Way sponsors are: Marlene’s Market Deli, Dr. Lorri A. Nichols and the Northwest Chiropractic Center, The Virginia Mason Medical Clinic and the City of Federal Way. The Marriott Courtyard Federal Way is the official hotel partner with special rates for triathlon participants
• EXPO: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., July 19, Steel Lake Park. The MultiSport Experience, a free expo, is open to the public and mandatory for race participants. The expo includes clinics on training and nutrition, product demonstrations and bargains on gear and apparel. Course talks throughout the day will provide tips on triathlon basics and race strategies. Participants also can pick up race packets, T-shirts and bags.
• INFO: www.sheroxtri.com.
