Bonney Lake Chamber
I ran my first (and only) marathon eight years ago through the Wasatch Mountains of the Cache Valley into downtown Logan, Utah. I will never forget the feelings of elation and accomplishment upon completing the race that I trained so long and so hard for. Those feelings trumped all of the pain I went through to get there, including continuous blisters, shin splints and the weekly long runs that wiped me out for the entire day. As I reminisce about that time in my life, those good memories and feelings come up to the surface and I remember how much I loved to run.
My race of choice however, was the trail runs through rugged mountains that left me sore, tired, wounded and bloody. I always wanted to do a triathlon and started training for it just before I moved to Washington when my running days came to a screeching halt – but that’s another story.
When chamber board President Jim Bouchard came to me last year with his idea of having the chamber host a triathlon, I immediately supported his idea. Having been an avid runner at one time, I knew the kind of impact a good race can have on a community. Some of my favorite places on earth are places where I have run. I believe this is our opportunity to make Bonney Lake one of the favorite places on earth for everyone who participates.
This event will take place Sept. 5, on Labor Day weekend and we are fittingly calling it the Bonney Lake “Labor of Love” Triathlon. Triathletes have the opportunity to enjoy either a Sprint or an Olympic distance race in beautiful Bonney Lake. Sprinters will swim 750 meters (.47 miles), bike 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and run 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). Olympic distance triathletes will swim 1.5 km (0.93 miles), bike 40 km (24.8 miles) and run 10 km (6.2 miles).
Bask in the waters of Lake Tapps for the swim portion, pedal the back roads of Pierce County through rich farmlands and run in the foothills all while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Tapps and majestic Mount Rainier. Along the way here you will have traveled state Route 410, a gateway to Crystal Mountain and Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park. Enjoy Allan Yorke Park, race central, with its baseball diamonds, snack shack and skate park. While here, folks will see local historic sites, or golf at one of the most picturesque and challenging 9-hole golf courses at Lake Tapps. Bonney Lake is a triathlete’s dream race and reward for your years of labor.
If you have ever thought about running a triathlon, this is your opportunity and I encourage you to attend one of our free seminars for the first-time triathlete, as well as those hoping to complete the Olympic distance event. Mark your calendar for May 9, the date we have scheduled our first seminar. Training programs, gear needed and general course questions will each be covered at this seminar. If you are interested in attending, contact randy@ncstrainer.com for more details or to sign up.
For a course map and links to registration, visit the Chamber’s Web site.
Lora Butterfield is the executive director of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at 253-222-5945 or lora@bonneylake.com. The chamber’s Web site is www.bonneylake.com.
