The city of Oakland, California, is set to host the first ever Oakland International Triathlon and Oakland Sprint Triathlon, as part of the Oakland Triathlon Festival, set to take place on Saturday 30 August and Sunday 31 August.
Creating a weekend full of ‘safe fitness fun’, both races will start and finish on the waterfront of Jack London Square, a scenic spot for spectators to watch and enjoy all of the festivities.
“This will be the first triathlon to take place within the city of Oakland, and we are thrilled to host the weekend of races which will showcase the history and beauty of Oakland,” said Oakland Mayor Jean Quan. “Encouraging and promoting a healthy lifestyle is always a top priority for Oakland.”
The international distance race course will feature a 0.93 mile swim in the calm waters of the Oakland Estuary; a 24.8 mile two-loop bike ride up Broadway Ave, through the heart of the city, then out and around the Port of Oakland; and a 6.2 mile run around Lake Merritt. Water temperatures should average 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19°C), making for a comfortable swim.
The sprint distance race course will utilise a smaller portion of the longer international triathlon course. This race will feature a calm warm water 0.5 mile swim – ideal for beginners; a 12.4 mile one-loop bike ride; and a flat and fast 3.1 mile run. The sprint distance race is positioned as an ideal starting point for athletes looking to enter the sport of triathlon. Forming a relay team is also a viable option for new triathletes.
“It has been a pleasure working with the city of Oakland, Visit Oakland, Jack London Square, the Oakland Police Department and all the organizations that have come together to support this great event and make it a reality,” said USA Productions Race Director Ryan Coelho.
(Ryan Coelho is also the Race Director & CEO of Challenge Rancho Cordova, held at the city in Sacramento County, California, which, in partnership with USA Productions, is Challenge Family’s first half distance race in the United States, and which takes place on 5 October 2014.)
He continued, “The city’s symbolic Oak Tree which represents strength and endurance, also represents a triathlete perfectly, making this event a natural fit for many years to come.”
This inaugural Oakland Triathlon Festival is designed to get everyone involved, and will feature several race group categories to accommodate all ages and skill levels, including a relay division and corporate challenge, ideal for those wanting to form a team. Pre-race triathlon training clinics will take place on Saturday 2 August and Saturday 16 August, with professional coaches to provide race previews, details on transitions and nutritional information to help prepare both beginner and experienced triathletes for the race.
“Whether you try the sprint as your first ever triathlon, or partner with friends to create a relay team, these races are accessible for all levels,” added Coelho. “Additional options for entry level athletes are the aqua-bike category, which is ideal for athletes wanting to take on a multisport challenge without the pounding portion of the run; and relay teams, which are also a great team building activity for corporations. Team members start and finish together, creating a true bonding experience.”
Spectators will have several options for viewing the athletes during the race including the length of the Oakland Estuary during the swim; along the two-loop bike course; around Lake Merritt during the run; and at the Jack London Square start and finish.
The entire family is invited to get in on the fitness fun, on Saturday 30 August, at 10:00 PT. A short one-mile family fun run will take place for a nominal entry fee. All funds raised will benefit Oakland-based non-profit organizations. On both Saturday and Sunday, the finish line festivities will include food, beer and live music for participants and spectators, as well as the Fitness Expo, from 11:00 to 17:00.
Registration is now open for the USA Triathlon sanctioned Oakland International Triathlon and the Oakland Sprint Triathlon. Registration fees for the Oakland International Triathlon are US$155 for individuals, US$135 for aqua-bike individuals and US$225 for a relay team.
Registration fees for the Oakland Sprint Triathlon are US$120 for individuals, US$100 for aqua-bike individuals, and US$200 for relay teams, prior to 1 July.
Registration fees will increase on 1 July, so interested athletes are encouraged to register by 30 June. Both races will start and finish at Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakland, California 94607.
The Oakland International Triathlon and the Oakland Sprint Triathlon are produced by USA Productions, a Northern California-based sporting event production company ‘dedicated to event safety, promoting healthy living and making fitness events accessible to all levels of athletes.’
A community approach is taken for all events that promote health and wellness, community involvement and giving back through partnerships with local charities. USA Productions currently produces 12 triathlons/open water swims throughout Northern California.
www.usapevents.com
oaklandtri.com
