Like rugged bike rides, running through the woods or swimming in lakes? Then the XTERRA Triathlon is for you!

Sunday, May 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Fort Bragg will be hosting an XTERRA Triathlon at Smith Lake, which is located on the eastern side of Fort Bragg.

XTERRA is a company that holds off-road triathlons and Fort Bragg is the only military installation to host an XTERRA event. The triathlon will consist of a 1000m swim, in Smith Lake, an 18 mile mountain bike ride and a four mile trail run. Smith Lake is shallow, with its maximum depth at eight to ten feet, the bike ride is across rough, dirt roads and the trail run will be in and out of the woods.

This triathlon has been held annually at Fort Bragg for four years and all elements of the race will be the same as last year except the trail ride will be in the opposite direction along its original path. In the past, winning participants completed the race within two hours and ending competitors finished after four to four and a half hours.

While the triathlon is not a training technique used by Fort Bragg there are usually many military competitors in the race. Thus far, 80 people have signed up to participate and they are hoping for 100 by May 27, the closing date for registration. Registration fees are $70 for individual participants and $120 for a relay team. The fees will be used to pay for costs associated with the triathlon such as race tee-shirts, swimming caps, food, water, etc.

Competitors are asked to bring their own bikes.

There are no age requirements or restrictions and currently a 14-year-old has registered to compete. Though only five or six women have registered, they are invited to compete in the race.

“Just be trained, prepped and ready for an outdoor experience,” said Derek Weller, a Co-race Director for the Smith Lake Triathlon.

Weller stresses to competitors that the bike route is pretty tough and the running trail goes both up and down hills.

Prizes will be given away to participants based on placing, different qualities and at random. The first place winner will receive a trophy and other participants will receive prizes. In the past, Weller has given prizes to the youngest and oldest competitors and to the competitor with the dirtiest shoes.

There will be eight stations set up along the biking and running courses where spectators will provide water and encouragement to competitors. Families are also allowed to come and stand along the course ways to cheer participants on.

The race will be held as planned in the event of rain, but will be postponed or canceled if it thunderstorms.

While there have been no serious injuries in the past competitors are required to sign a liability waver and through that are insured by USA Triathlon.

Qualifying points can be made through XTERRA and points will be awarded to the top 15 competitors to finish. From here participants can go on to national or international levels to compete in triathlons.

For more information please visit

www.fortbraggmwr.com/xterra/index.html.

Photo caption: Fort Bragg offers athletes a chance to push themselves
to the limits at the 4th Annual XTERRA triathlon on
May 30.