Sunday turned out to be a perfect day for a run, a bike ride, or a swim–or for those competing in the TRI-CARSON reverse sprint triathlon on campus, all three.
Nearly 400 people registered for the third annual event organized by LBTri, the City of Carson and CSU Dominguez Hills and presented by Kaiser Permanente. In addition to the main race, Tri-CARSON also included a kid’s triathlon and a Train 4 Autism 5K. The youngest participate in the kid’s tri was 6, while the oldest in the adult tri was 90.
“Tri-CARSON is a great collaborative program that enhances our university’s image as a well-rounded university with so much to offer the community,” said David Gamboa, director of government and community relations.
In addition to hosting Tri-CARSON, a number of CSU Dominguez Hills students, faculty and staff came out to support the event – and for some, to take part. The cheer squad cheered on participants at the starting line, while members of the dance team were there to congratulate them as they crossed the finish line. Among the 175 volunteers throughout the course were students from the Department of Kinesiology, the intramural sports program, and CSUDH ROTC.
Among the Toros out on the course for the triathlon were Larry Press, professor of information system and operation management, Rose Welch, professor of nursing, Carole Desgroppes, manager of programs, marketing and assessment for the Loker Student Union, and Lui Amador, acting associate director of Student Life. Kathy Chai, coordinator of the bachelor of nursing program, and Jill Richardson, clinical coordinator in the School of Nursing, took part in the 5K.
A self-proclaimed lifelong fitness nut, Press has raced in every Tri-CARSON since it started three years ago, as well as triathlons in Carpentaria. Hampered by a calf injury for this race, he said this wasn’t his best race but that he’s “happy to have done it and will be back next year.”
This was Welch’s first triathlon. She said she signed up because she wanted to challenge herself and also show that age doesn’t matter. The benefits of getting in shape were motivation as well. Impressed with the event and now knowing she can do it, Welch also plans to be back next year.
“The event was well organized and the volunteers were helpful and encouraging, e.g. ‘Go Grandma!’” she said. “I’m proud of myself for facing my fears and going for it.”
A first-timer as well, Desgroppes admitted she wasn’t bitten by the triathlon bug, and isn’t likely to do it again. Still she’s glad she did it.
“I felt great afterwards and proud of that huge accomplishment. I can check it off my bucket list,” she said.
CSU Dominguez Hills will host the fourth annual race, which has already been scheduled for Nov. 3, 2013. For more information, visit www.tricarson.com.
For more photos, visit the Tri-CARSON 2012 album on the univeristy’s Facebook page.
