HITS Inc, producer of the popular HITS Desert Circuit horse show, has confirmed that the Palm Springs region will be host to the inaugural HITS Triathlon Series event and HITS Triathlon Series National Championship. Designed for seasoned triathletes as well as first-timers, the HITS Triathlon Series features five distances over a single weekend offering ‘A distance for everyone!’
The established HITS Desert Circuit is the region’s most popular equestrian event and brings more than US$150 million dollars to the greater Palm Springs area each year. The new HITS Triathlon Series is expected to draw triathletes, their families and friends from throughout Southern California and beyond.
“The City of La Quinta embraces healthy living and we are excited to see the HITS Triathlon Series kick off in our city,” said Edie Hylton, Director of Community Services of La Quinta. “As someone who has participated in several triathlons and a member of our city’s government, I strongly encourage our residents to ‘get active’ and take part in what is sure to become one of our most popular participatory sporting events available for athletes of all levels.”
The first event will be held on 3-4 December 2011 and is the ‘crown jewel’ of the all-new HITS Triathlon Series. Additionally, Palm Springs area (La Quinta) will be home to the 2012 HITS Triathlon Series National Championship on 1-2 December 2012. The challenging and scenic course will take place in and around Lake Cahuilla. Athletes will be spending the weekend at various HITS lodging partners in La Quinta, Indio and beyond.
“HITS has a long history with the Palm Springs region spanning more than 20 years, and we are thrilled to introduce not only our first HITS Triathlon event there, but also make it the home of our HITS Championship,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “This location is one of the few in the nation that can host a major triathlon in December, and we look forward to delivering a successful event here.”
Each weekend in the series will also feature a HITS Fitness Festival, which will serve as the gathering place for participants and spectators to interact with local and national sponsors, fitness products, services, as well as event partners.
HITS Inc is eager to involve local shops, businesses and organisations in the Fitness Festival – with direct access to athletes, their family and friends. The HITS Fitness Festivals will include a range of vendors from athletic gear to consumer goods. Those interested in participating in the Fitness Festival can visit www.hitstriathlonseries.com/sponsorship, or contact Star Exiner-Walters at Star[at]HitsTriathlonSeries.com.
HITS Triathlon is also seeking individual and groups of volunteers to assist with triathlon weekend activities. Organizations with groups of 25 or more receive free space at the Fitness Festival to promote their cause or business and US$250 as a token of appreciation. For more information about volunteer opportunities, interested parties can email info[at]hitstriathlonseries.com.
As its USP, HITS Triathlon Series events include five distances during a single weekend ranging from the beginner in the HITS Open to the experienced triathlete in the USAT sanctioned Sprint, Olympic, Half and Full distances. The HITS Open is a free novice participatory triathlon that will feature a 100m swim, a 3 mile bike and 1 mile run created especially ‘for first-timers who never thought that competing in a triathlon was possible.’
