Big Lick Triathlon

            Thousands of athletes and spectators from across the country will gather for the 10th annual Big Lick Triathlon on Sept. 26 at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Sponsored by the YMCA of Roanoke Valley, the triathlon is a fundraiser for the Y Partners campaign, which helps provide children and families in the Roanoke Valley with access to the organization’s events, facilities and after-school programs.

            “Considering the current state of the economy, more and more people are in need of financial aid,” said Cal Johnson, director of the triathlon and executive director of the YMCA of Roanoke Valley. “The Y is a great place for people to stay healthy, active and connected, and part of our mission is to make sure everyone has access to the programs we offer, regardless of financial ability.”

            The international distance triathlon is the same length as an Olympic triathlon — a 1,500-meter swim in the lake, a 40-kilometer bike ride and a 10-kilometer run, Johnson said.
It is the final race in the Virginia Triathlon Series, which
consists of 20 races of varying length and difficulty held throughout the state.

            Johnson said about 500 athletes from about 20 different states traditionally compete in the event. Most bring a support group of family and friends to serve as cheerleaders.

            “Seventy percent of the athletes are from out of the area,” he said. “This brings a lot of money to the lake because these people have to eat and sleep somewhere.” Johnson said the beauty of the area made SML a natural choice for the first race 10 years ago.

            “The State Park is beautiful and a great venue for a swim, bike and run. The bike race goes out on the rural roads, so traffic isn’t an issue here. There’s nowhere like this in Roanoke, and there’s not a prettier area than Smith Mountain Lake,” he said.

            The Y relies on volunteers stationed along the course to help keep participants as safe as possible. Volunteers are needed to serve as lifeguards, give directions along the bike and run courses, enforce rules in transition areas and man water stops.

            Johnson said those stationed at water stops take pride in decorating their station with creative themes that keep the athletes motivated. At the end of the day, the athletes vote on their favorite water stop.

            Johnson emphasized that the hard work of organizers and volunteers makes the triathlon a first-class event and stressed the importance of drawing new people to the area.

            “We take very seriously the quality of the event and being a good host to people from outside the area,” he said. “There’s no other area that compares to this region, and we want people to see what a wonderful place the lake is.”

To sign up to volunteer or participate as an athlete, visit the YMCA of Roanoke Valley’s Web site at ymcaroanoke.org. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and meal.