transamerica chicago triathlon

There’s noother ride

like this.

August 28, 2016ChicagoTriathlon.com

#ChiTri

Urban Triathlon, Redefined.This is the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon — where the world comes to

race in, around and under this historic city’s architectural masterpieces.

It’s where beginner and elite athletes alike come to be challenged, as well

as inspired. It’s Chicago’s only triathlon, with 34 years of premier venues,

premium amenities and awe inspiring spectating. It’s your chance to race

this incredible city and include yourself in one of its greatest traditions.

Reserve your place today.

Offi cial ProgramSUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2016 ChicagoTriathlon.com#ChiTriChicagoTriathlon.com

Cover.indd 2 7/14/16 7:50 AM

2 ChicagoTriathlon.com

New Saturday Race ScheduleIn order to alleviate wait times and congestion, Saturday’s Kids Tri event will begin first at 7:00 a.m. at Foster Beach, followed by the SuperSprint race at 8:30 a.m.

Final Open Water Swim Clinic Plan to attend the Open Water Swim Clinic fi nale, held Tuesday, August 23 at Ohio Street Beach. Beyond a clinic, the event off ers an Aquathlon (swim and 5K run), will attract nearly 1,000 athletes and off ers a beachfront Course Talk. Space is limited, participants must RSVP.

Mandatory Course TalksPrior to picking-up packets, all participants must attend a 30-minute course talk at the Expo. Participants may RSVP online in advance.

Optional Saturday Racking Sunday competitors have the opportunity to check their bikes into the DuSable Harbor Transition area on Saturday after-noon, between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Only bikes may be dropped early, no bags.

Regional Paratriathlon ChampionshipThe Chicago Triathlon is proud host the Mideast Region’s Paratriathlon cham-pionship. Athletes will compete to earn a spot at the 2017 Paratriathlon National Championships. Many of the athletes have already qualified for the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Big Ring Bike Support CrewTwenty roving bike mechanics will patrol Sunday’s bike course to ensure safety, fi x fl ats and aid athletes with any mechanical problems throughout the day.

Trolley ServiceComplimentary shuttle rides for partic-ipants and spectators getting from the Transition area to the Finish Line and back. Chicago trolleys will run nonstop loops throughout Race Day.

Welcome to Tri-TownMake no mistake, the Second City may be the nation’s third largest city, but Chicago stands proudly as the epicenter of the multisport movement.

Since 1983, the Chicago Triathlon has welcomed more than 250,000 participants across the fi nish line. By our count, 40 percent of these fi nishers were fi rst-timers, earning the coveted title of “triathlete.” In 2016, we plan to add more than 2,500 newbies to that count.

Southern California may have invented our sport, but Chi-Town really is Tri-Town. Beyond the event’s history and behind the huge numbers lies the answer to the question: “Why Chicago?”

History indicates the sport was born in 1974 as a cross-training opportunity within the San Diego Track Club. The fi rst event featured 40 individuals who ran a 10k, then biked 8k and later swam 500 meters in the dark using car headlights. The idea caught fi re, and soon morphed into organized events.

John and Judy Collins, both participants in the original SDTC event, went on to create the Ironman in 1978 - combining three Hawaii endurance races into one competition. In 1982, ABC’s Wide World of Sports televised Julie Moss as she collapsed and crawled across the Ironman fi nish line – captivating the world and inspiring millions of viewers.

That same year, our governing body (U.S. Triathlon Association) was born, as was the fi rst known race series (U.S. Triathlon Series). In 1983, Chicagoan Jan Caille partnered with the USTS on an opportunity to expand the tri series beyond the west coast. Although permits weren’t secured until the last minute, the event went off without a hitch. Locals fell in love.

By 1984, the Chicago Triathlon grew beyond 2,000 participants, claiming (and retaining) the title as “World’s Largest Triathlon.” Chicagoans were hooked on the multisport challenge, solidifi ed by the realization that our lakefront landscape provides the ultimate training grounds for our sport. Ohio Street Beach, coupled with the 18 miles of cycling and running trails, allows athletes of all abilities and interest levels to safely enter into triathlon.

Thirty two years later, we haven’t stopped. While the participant counts, venue locations and race courses may have changed over the years, this city’s love for triathlon has never waivered. Last year we hosted the World Championships. There’s an honorary street named after this event. Our Mayor is an accomplished triathlete. Chi-Town is Tri-Town.

As you journey through the Expo this weekend, as you rack your bike in Transition and as you toe the line at the Swim Start, know that you are an integral part of a 34 year tradition in this city. Your commitment and dedication to this sport is what defi nes the grit and strength of this incredible city.

Here’s to an incredible weekend,

OfficialProgram

August 28, 2016

Julie Coleman | Race DirectorMary Beth Kunz | Regional Event DirectorGloria Aguilera | Accounting ManagerDan Lakin | Marketing ManagerJose Rangel | Production Manager

David Rosenbrock | Charity/Team CoordinatorYasamin Sabeti | Hospitality & Volunteer CoordinatorTim Brazel | Regional Sales ManagerScott “Hootie” Hutmacher | Life Time Tri Brand Manager

STAFF LIST

Participant Numbers at a Glance

Life Time Tri Destination Events

Half Ironman

Ironman

None

9,200

44%

WelcomeLetter.indd 4 7/15/16 8:28 AM

April May June July August SeptemberUntitled 1 Untitled 2 Untitled 3

3ChicagoTriathlon.com

New Saturday Race ScheduleIn order to alleviate wait times and congestion, Saturday’s Kids Tri event will begin first at 7:00 a.m. at Foster Beach, followed by the SuperSprint race at 8:30 a.m.

Final Open Water Swim Clinic Plan to attend the Open Water Swim Clinic fi nale, held Tuesday, August 23 at Ohio Street Beach. Beyond a clinic, the event off ers an Aquathlon (swim and 5K run), will attract nearly 1,000 athletes and off ers a beachfront Course Talk. Space is limited, participants must RSVP.

Mandatory Course TalksPrior to picking-up packets, all participants must attend a 30-minute course talk at the Expo. Participants may RSVP online in advance.

Optional Saturday Racking Sunday competitors have the opportunity to check their bikes into the DuSable Harbor Transition area on Saturday after-noon, between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Only bikes may be dropped early, no bags.

Regional Paratriathlon ChampionshipThe Chicago Triathlon is proud host the Mideast Region’s Paratriathlon cham-pionship. Athletes will compete to earn a spot at the 2017 Paratriathlon National Championships. Many of the athletes have already qualified for the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Big Ring Bike Support CrewTwenty roving bike mechanics will patrol Sunday’s bike course to ensure safety, fi x fl ats and aid athletes with any mechanical problems throughout the day.

Trolley ServiceComplimentary shuttle rides for partic-ipants and spectators getting from the Transition area to the Finish Line and back. Chicago trolleys will run nonstop loops throughout Race Day.

Participant Numbers at a Glance

46

18Number of Countries

Represented

Number of StatesRepresented

49%

Chicago Residents

Life Time Tri Destination Events

Longest Triathlon Completed to Date

Sunday Participants, at Time of Registration

Half Ironman

International

Sprint

SuperSprint

Ironman

None

April May June July August September

1

None

10+

2

3 to 4

Previous Chicago Triathlons Completed

Sunday Participants

5 to 9

Kids Tri. SuperSprint Sprint International

Individual Race CompositionSpecial Programs/Divisions

South Beach TriathlonMiami Beach, FloridaApril 2, 2017Registration now open!

Boulder Peak TriathlonBoulder, ColoradoJuly 9, 2017Registration now open!

Panasonic New York City TriathlonNew York, New YorkJuly 16, 2017Lottery opens November 1!

9,200 Total Number of Participants 38 Median

Age 10 Median Agefor Kids Tri

56%Male

44%Female

WelcomeLetter.indd 5 7/15/16 9:22 AM


Monday, Aug. 22 10:00 a.m. Athlete Guide/Wave Starts Distributed

Tuesday, Aug. 23 6:00 p.m. Final Open Water Swim Clinic & Aquathlon— Ohio St. Beach

Friday, Aug. 261:00 p.m. Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo Open—Chicago Hilton

Saturday, Aug. 27 5:30 a.m. Transition Open – Foster Beach7:00 a.m. Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Race Start (Juniors) – Foster Beach 8:00 a.m. Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Race Start (Seniors) – Foster Beach9:00 a.m. Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo Open – Chicago Hilton9:30 a.m. Chicago Triathlon SuperSprint Race Start – Foster Beach2:00 p.m. Transition Open – DuSable Harbor

Sunday, Aug. 284:00 a.m. Transition Open – DuSable Harbor 6:00 a.m. International Race Start — Lake Shore Drive at Balbo Drive7:30 a.m. Finish Festival Open – Finish Area 8:30 a.m. est Sprint Race Start – Lake Shore Drive at Balbo Drive 3:00 p.m. Finish Festival Closes, Trolley Service ends

Race Week Schedule* ALL DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Get the Race AppSpectators are encouraged to download this all-inclusive information depository. Users can explore schedules, view maps, track athletes, search results, communicate with fellow users, share photos and more. Download the free Life Time Athletic Events App from the Apple Store or Google Play.

OfficialProgram

August 28, 2016

Schedule.indd 2 7/14/16 3:24 PM


Chicago Triathlon Multisport and Fitness ExpoFriday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan

The Multisport & Fitness Expo, one of the best in the industry, is the site of packet pickup and course talks for the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon, SuperSprint and Life Time Kids Tri races. All Sunday participants (including all relay members) are required to attend. More than 150 exhibitors off er the latest and fi nest in swimming, cycling, running gear and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago Saturday, Aug. 27 Foster Beach, 7:00 a.m.

The kids triathlon is one the largest events of its kind in the U.S., featuring 1,200 aspiring triathletes. The Life Time Kids Tri Chicago is the perfect launching pad for youth, ages 7-14, to break into the sport.

Race Weekend Events

Chicago Triathlon Supersprint Saturday, Aug. 27 Foster Beach, 9:30 a.m.

A beginner’s triathlon for anyone 15 years and older, it includes a 375-meter swim, 10K bike and 2.5K run. This year’s race again includes the Wave, integrating 100 of Chicago’s famous blue commuter bikes.

Transamerica Chicago Triathlon Sunday, Aug. 28

The Sprint and International distance races take place in and around Grant Park, with the swim at Monroe Harbor and a fi nish at Columbus Drive and Balbo Drive.

Transamerica Live Athlete TrackerUse the Transamerica Athlete Tracking during the race to track participants as they cross various course checkpoints. The tracking features an interactive map, live streams from offi cial timing pads, estimated arrival times and more. Live tracking is included with the Race App and at racemyrace.com/chicagotri

Schedule.indd 5 7/14/16 3:32 PM


North Ave

W Grand Ave

Chicago Ave

Chicago Ave

Congress Pkwy

18th St

McCormick Place

Waldron Dr

Soldier Field

Field Museum

Adler Planetarium

31st St

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ubmu

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Fullerton Pkwy

Montrose Ave

N Lincoln Ave

N Clybourn Ave

N Broadway

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Foster Ave

Hollywood Ave

W Devon Ave

N Western Ave

N Milwaukee Ave

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N State St

N Lake Shore Dr

N Lake Shore Dr

Belmont Ave

Intermediate Wacker Dr

Randolph St

Monroe St

Madison St

Adams St

Jackson Blvd

Congress Pkwy

Harrison St

Balbo Ave

Roosevelt Rd

E 18th St

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COURSE OVERVIEW

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POfficial

ProgramAugust 28, 2016

CourseMap.indd 2 7/13/16 2:38 PM

North Ave

W Grand Ave

Chicago Ave

Chicago Ave

Congress Pkwy

18th St

McCormick Place

Waldron Dr

Soldier Field

Field Museum

Adler Planetarium

31st St

rD K

LM

Wacker Dr

Busway

rD s

ubmu

loC

Fullerton Pkwy

Montrose Ave

N Lincoln Ave

N Clybourn Ave

N Broadway

yawd

aorB

N

Foster Ave

Hollywood Ave

W Devon Ave

N Western Ave

N Milwaukee Ave

enne

K

tS e

t at S

S

N State St

N Lake Shore Dr

N Lake Shore Dr

Belmont Ave

Intermediate Wacker Dr

Randolph St

Monroe St

Madison St

Adams St

Jackson Blvd

Congress Pkwy

Harrison St

Balbo Ave

Roosevelt Rd

E 18th St

Waldron Dr

Lake Shore

31st

Mic

higa

n A

ve

Sta

te S

t

Lake

Sho

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r

Lake Shore Dr

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K r e

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Col

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MILLENNIUMPARK

BUCKINGHAMFOUNTAIN

FIELD MUSEUM

ADLER PLANETARIUM

SHEDD AQUARIUM

SOLDIER FIELD

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MIC

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18

16

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Finish Line

Aid Station

Sprint Sprint

Street Level

International International

Intermediate Level

Lowest Level

Mileage

Big Ring Transition Area

Course Alert

COURSE OVERVIEW

Sprint Athletes exit onRandolph St.

Sprint Turnaround

A

F

S

DETAIL - See Right

SWIM COURSE RUN COURSE

BIKE COURSE

10

15

5

B

C

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CHICAGOTRIATHLON.COM

COURSE DETAIL

International Turnaround

HIL

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Transamerica TrolleyDrop Off & Pick Up

Mobile Big Ring BikeSupport Team

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

TRANSITION AREA

2016 CO

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Race Day SpectatingThe Transamerica Chicago Triathlon is the world’s largest multisport event. Just as all athletes should properly prepare for the enormity of race day, so should spectators. It’s not uncommon for many to show-up without a plan and become overwhelmed.

A few tips to help the Sunday race viewing experience:• Know exactly what time your athlete starts the swim, and set a meeting point and time to say your goodbyes!• Plan your logistics, both into Grant Park and throughout the race venue. Public transit, parking garages, cabs and/or Divvy bikes are all great options – assuming you know which roads remain open to the public. Don’t forget about the free Transamerica Chicago Trolleys that circle Grant Park.• Learnyourathlete’sestimatedtimetoreachspecificpartsofthecourse, especially at spectator-friendly spots.• Knowwhatyourathletewillbewearing,toeasilyspotthemonthefly.• Regardless of where you spectate, remember that triathlon is an individual sport. Unlikethemarathon,wherehanding-offajacketiscommon,triathletescanbe penalized for outside assistance. This creates unfair advantages in our sport.

Where to WatchRegardless of the event’s size, the Chicago Tri happens to be one of the most spectator-friendly races on earth, beginning with the unique swim course set in Monroe Harbor.

SWIM: The Swim Course spans the entire lakefront path. Families can kisseachothergoodbyeasathletesjumpinthewater,thenbenofurtherthan 25 yards from them through the duration.

BIKE: The Bike Course is a bit tougher to spectate, considering the inacces-sibility of Lake Shore Drive. Sprint athletes can easily be spotted at the Bike In/Out area at the Randolph Circle Drive, and on the North Avenue pedestrian bridge. For International athletes, the best vantage point is atop the 11th Street Pedestrian bridge, overlooking the McCormick Place Busway. Athletes will flyunderneathtwice,within5-10minutes,beforeventuringonthelakefrontRun Course.

RUN:ThebestspottoviewrunnersisintheMuseumCampus,specificallyin back of the Field Museum. This is a great spot to photograph your athletes, capturing both the skyline and converging groups of runners in the background. This area is eloquently referred to as the “spaghetti bowl” and is an easy walk back to the Finish Line, only a few hundred yards away on Columbus.

Unique CompetitionsWhile the Chicago Triathlon may be the world’s largest, what makes it special is the amount of boutique programs and special competitions. Popular programs include:

WaveThesoldoutprogram integrates100Divvybikes to Saturday’s SuperSprint race. Although the program was built for new athletes looking to dabble in the sport, nearly half of this year’s participants are speedy veterans looking to test their own mettle.

Triple Challenge175 participants will compete in the unique 59 mile Triple Challenge, which sold out in record time. Participants will race all three distances throughout the weekend, starting with Saturday’s SuperSprint race.

First-Timers’ ProgramIn its second year, the Live Grit

First-Timers’Programhasgrownto450partic-ipants.Priority registration for the2017editionwill open within the Multisport & Fitness Expo.

100 Club ChallengeThis year we have revamped the

First-Responders’ Competition. It has been renamed in honor of a new partnership withthe100ClubofChicago.Morethan200firefighters,police,militaryandEMSpersonnelwill test their endurance on race day.

Workday Executive Challenge

This year’s VIP program, sponsored by Work-day, featuresmore than 50C-level athletesfrom around the world competing to earn accolades as the “world’s fastest executive.”

Visit www.ChicagoTriathlon.com to find out more info. about these unique competitions.


Dare2Tri bringsMultisports to

Disabled Athletes

OfficialProgram

August 28, 2016

Dare2Tri.indd 4 7/13/16 9:14 AM


Four local athletes, with four diff erent disabilities, credit their success stories to the same programBy: Betsy Noxon | Photos by: Ali Engin

The fi rst Paralympic Games took place following the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, allowing athletes with a range of physical disabilities to compete for their own chance at an Olympic title. Since then, the Paralympics has grown in popularity and participation, but this September will be the fi rst Paralympic Triathlon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The debut event will feature a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride and a fi ve-kilo-meter run with three of the fi ve classifi cation divisions.

While this is the first universal competition for triathletes with disabilities, the Chicago group, Dare2Tri has been providing opportunities for people of all abilities to compete since 2011.

Founded by three and joined by many, “Dare2Tri serves youth, adults and injured service members who have a physical disability such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifi da, cerebral palsy and those with visual impairments and blindness,” its website states. With a goal of having a dedicated triathlon-training center in Chicago, Dare2Tri wants to help anyone who wants to be active achieve his or her goals.

From completely diff erent walks of life, four local athletes tell their stories on how Dare2Tri jumpstarted their careers and passions.

Multisports to



The Beginning of the FutureIt was a spring day in 2004 when, at 24, Melissa Stockwell found herself in a Baghdad hospital. Thankfully alive, Melissa suff ered a severe leg injury. She was deployed in the Iraq war when a roadside bomb changed her life, resulting in an above the knee amputation of her left leg.

“At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, I was fi t with a prosthetic leg and heard about the Paralympics. I wanted to be in the Olympics since I was a young gymnast and wear the USA uniform. I knew it would be a lot of hard work,” says Melissa.

With swimming as part of her rehabilitation, she trained diligently, and went onto qualify for the 2008 Paralympic swim team in Beijing, given the honor to carry the American fl ag in the closing ceremonies.

In 2009, Melissa tried a triathlon, and fell in love with multisport. That same year, she met Keri Serota through a mutual friend, and together they signed up for a computrainer class. Dan Tun was in their fi rst class, which was lead by current Head Coach of Dare2Tri, Stacee Seay.

Keri and Dan, both able-bodied athletes, along with Melissa, saw the need for a triathlon program for the disabled in Chicago, and with a grant from the U.S. Paralympics, the three founded Dare2tri. Together they pursued triathlon-coaching certifi cation, and launched Dare2Tri in 2011 for people with amputations, spinal cord injuries and visual impairment. In 2012 their goal was to train eight athletes, but exceeded their expectations and trained 20 athletes in just the fi rst year.

Today, the program has soared to over 300 athletes, including an elite team. Dare2Tri holds a three-day weekend training camp each spring in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., which helps fi rst time athletes from around the country attend clinics, try equipment, swim in the lake and pool, learn tips on training and compete in a race on the fi nal day.

Now at 36, Melissa has competed around the world in all triathlon distances, winning three World Championships. On July 8, she qualifi ed to represent the United States in this year’s Olympic Games in Rio. As a wife and mother of a 2-year-old, Melissa continues to inspire not only athletes, but people of all ages and abilities around the world.

Training Camp InspirationJames Veltri competed in track and football before joining the U.S. Navy in 2003. When he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, he left the Navy on honorable medical retirement.

While in college in Virginia in 2005, he was shot trying to break up a fi ght. Bullets braised the back of his head and his spine causing him to be paralyzed. He returned to Chicago to live with his mom, and suff ered from depression.

Things turned around for James eight years later, when he decided to move to Milwaukee and he met his current girlfriend. One day, the two were visiting the Morten Arboretum and they ran into Coach Stacee, who said she “has a thing for guys in wheelchairs.” She encouraged him to come to the Dare2Tri camp and try a triathlon, and in 2015, he did, and was hooked.

“The people with Dare2Tri are passionate about what they do and it’s all about you achieving your goals yourself,” James said. “They care about you being a better athlete and a better person.”

Now 34, James is racing and training regularly. He competed in Leon’s triathlon, the ITU World’s tri in Chicago, and the Chicago Triathlon in 2015, where he fi nished fi rst in the Para-wheelchair division. This year he’ll reunite with the Chicago Triathlon, while also competing at Nationals for the fi rst time.

In preparation, he goes for fi ve-hour bike rides, swims two to three times a week, and borrows a race push chair to simulate the run for one to two hours.

“Triathlon has given me more focus and something to look forward to,” James says. “I like being able to move and do something while moving. It makes me feel good and proud.”

Opening DoorsTraining equipment has been a key factor to 49-year-old Alberto Guzman’s entry onto the triathlon scene.

Being visually impaired for 20 years, Alberto began attending Dare2Tri’s Tuesday night sessions in 2015, which was an hour of cardio and strength, followed by an hour in the pool. He struggled with the swim, but worked hard continuing to train twice a week.

Through Dare2Tri, Alberto received a grant to purchase a bike trainer so he can ride inside his home. Now, he is able to ride, swim and run several times during the week, and most days Alber-to does two-sport workouts. He’s proud to be a part of the Dare-2Tri team, fi nding the experience personally rewarding.

“Dare2Tri found the aspects of what prevents people with what’s needed to participate in this event. They help with access to equipment, resources and a network to guides,” Alberto says. “They’ve opened the doors to a great community, and are all stimulating and supportive.”

Alberto now feels he’s the strongest and fi ttest he’s ever been, thanks to Dare2Tri. He is now on the Development Team, where he is considered an emerging Paratriathlete with high-level coaching and support skills to help others reach their personal goals.

OfficialProgram

August 28, 2016



Despite having bursitis in his knees, Alberto competed in the Chicago Triathlon last year, where he decided he’d continue to pursue triathlons. His current goal is to qualify for Nationals, where he’s a mere eight minutes away from the qualifying time.

On the Road to RioHailey Danisewicz, a 25-year-old Chicagoan and Dare2Tri Elite athlete, is training for the Paralympics this fall, with sights on the gold.

At the age of 12, Hailey battled bone cancer in her left leg. Two years later, after chemotherapy and several surgeries, Hailey decided to have her leg amputated, but was limited prosthetically to what she could do. She skied and dabbled in tennis to try and stay fi t, but wanted something more.

Having learned about the Dare2Tri program by doing an Internet search fi ve years ago in college, Hailey has risen quickly onto the competitive paratriathlete scene. In 2011, she connected with Serota, who off ered to take her on as a Dare2Tri program intern. Hailey happily accepted, with the understanding that she was to complete a triathlon at the end of the summer. Dare2Tri opened up her circle of support and introduced her to others with physical disabilities.

“Keri took away all excuses,” Hailey says. “She’s a passionate person and off ered all types of opportunities.”

Hailey had Rio on her radar early on when she realized her times were competitive. She stayed focused on making Team USA and is now training full time for the Paralympic Games, swimming fi ve days a week, biking fi ve to six days, running four days, and strength training each week. Hours of recovery include ice baths, compression boots and massages, all critical to her training, as it’s important she starts each training session fresh.

As for others wanting to dip their toes into triathlon, Hailey says, “Triathlon is an intimidating prospect, but trust the process, trust yourself, go all in, don’t be afraid to do something that seems scary. Once you step outside your comfort zone, great things can happen.”

(Conclusion) In conjunction with the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon, the 2016 USA Triathlon Mideast Regional Paratriathlon Championships will take place Aug. 28 in Chicago. Dare2Tri will not only have several athletes competing in this event, but also will be present as a support system and represent triathletes with disabilities everywhere.

Also in Chicago will be Dare2Tri’s second annual gala event, An Evenin-g2Inspire, where all athletes with disabilities will be honored. The event will also celebrate the debut of the paratriathlon as a Paralympic sport at the 2016 Paralympic Games. All funds raised through the event will support Dare2Tri athletes and the community of paratriathlon.

PassionAdventure

Dedication



The100 Club

Challenge

OfficialProgram

August 28, 2016

100Club2.indd 2 7/13/16 3:36 PM


Honoring Our Fallen First RespondersBy: Chris Lewis | Photo by: Ali Engin

It all began as a friendly wager among seven members of the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Offi ce of the FBI. But in less than 10 years—from its founding in 2007 up until 2015—the First Responders’ Competition hosted more than 1,000 participants from approximately 25 agencies across the United States.

In retrospect, the triathlon’s steady rise in turnout was not overly surprising. After all, it was hosted during the weekend of the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon, the world’s largest multisport event, which has hosted at least 250,000 triathletes since 1983. But the competition’s popularity caught the attention of Chicago-based organizations nonetheless.

Last year, Life Time Fitness (the producer of the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon) approached the 100 Club of Chicago, a non-profi t organization that provides monetary resources for the surviving spouses and dependents of local law enforcement offi cers, fi refi ghters and paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The organization agreed to partner with Life Time Fitness and rename the First Responders’ Competition the 100 Club Challenge.

On Sunday, August 28—one day after the 50th anniversary of the 100 Club of Chicago—the fi rst annual 100 Club Challenge will begin at Chicago’s Monroe Harbor.

Presently, the triathlon’s administrators are focused on generating more than $25,000 in direct con-tributions to the 100 Club of Chicago through public donations, as well as private fundraising efforts. The funds will be provided specifically to widows and dependents of federal, state, county and local officers, firefighters and paramedics stationed in Cook and Lake Counties.

“When a fi rst responder in Cook or Lake County is killed in the line of duty, the 100 Club of Chicago is at their home within 24 hours, giving the spouse or dependent the fi rst of two checks totaling $50,000,” says Joe Ahern, CEO, 100 Club of Chicago. “There are no forms for them to fi ll out, no bureaucracy, no lines to stand in and no delay. It’s just our family—the 100 Club family—helping their family with their grief. And that’s just the beginning of our support.”

In addition to off ering $50,000 to spouses or dependents, the 100 Club of Chicago also provides fi nancial assistance to the fi rst responders’ children so that they can complete their undergraduate, vocational education or graduate studies.

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“We are supporting 21 young adults in college right now and will have 67 more children who will have our support once they attend college,” Ahern adds. “We also have partnerships with 20 univer-sities who have committed to providing scholarships to our kids if they choose to attend one of those higher education institutions.”

Trophies, Camaraderie and a Great CauseSince 100 Club Challenge participants will vary in age and experience levels, they will have two diff erent types of races to choose from on August 28: the International, which will begin at 6 a.m. CT, and the Sprint, which will begin at approximately 9 a.m. CT. The International race will feature a 1.5K swim course, a 40K bike course and a 10K run course, while the Sprint race will be much shorter—featuring a 750 meter swim course, a 24K bike course and a 5K run course.

The participants will also comprise two teams: Police, consisting of local, state and federal law enforcement, including all military personnel, as well as members of the CIA and FBI, and Fire, which will include local and regional fi refi ghters, paramedics and auxiliary EMS personnel.

Upon the conclusion of the International and Sprint races, a winning team will be determined according to a points system. First, Interna-tional participants will earn three points for their respective teams by simply fi nishing the race; Sprint participants, on the other hand, will earn two points. In addition, the top 20 fi nishers in the International and Sprint races will each earn points for their team. First-place fi nishers will earn 20 points, 2nd-place fi nishers 19 points and so forth.

First responders may also participate in a two- to three-person relay team competition (International race distance only). If they complete the Relay, they will earn one point for their respective team. The fastest 10 teams will also be awarded points—10 for 1st place, nine for 2nd place and so on. Once all of the points are tallied, the team with the most points—either the Police or the Fire team—will be announced as the winner.

The winning team will not only acquire the 100 Club Challenge trophy, but will also be presented a promotion check to the 100 Club on the team’s behalf. At the same time, each team’s top three performing males and females (in the International and Sprint races) will also receive an award, in addition to the top three overall fastest relay team.

Civilians, including 100 Club members, benefi ciary families and non-active duty personnel, as well as the general public, are also welcomed to support the 100 Club of Chicago as an offi cial charity team participant. All charity team participants may enroll in the 100 Club Challenge as an individual (for the International and Sprint races) or as a member of a two- to three-person relay team, again for International race distance only.

Comfort for Families in NeedApproximately 200 first responders, including fire and police personnel, Navy fighter pilots, U.S. Treasury agents and FBI

agents, are expected to participate in the first annual 100 Club Challenge on August 28, 2016.

“Given the heavy integration of the police and fi re departments, athletes and spectators will see a huge presence from both departments—in-cluding pomp and circumstance at the start of the event, fi re boats on the water, police helicopter fl yovers and honor guards,” says Scott “Hoo-tie” Hutmacher, brand manager, Life Time Tri. “It will be memorable!”

For LaVar Merrell, a personal trainer at Chicago’s East Bank Club, the 100 Club Challenge will especially be memorable since it is his fi rst-ever triathlon. Merrell is a recipient of the 100 Club of Chicago’s services, as his father, a long-time Chicago Fire Department veteran, died in the line of duty in 2000. Merrell was only 13 years old.

The 100 Club of Chicago helped Merrell’s family pay its funeral expenses, and also off ered him fi nancial assistance so that he could complete his college education. Since then, Merrell has remained in touch with the organization’s administration, as well as other recipients of its services.

“The 100 Club really brings the recipients together to create a family bond,” Merrell says. “I was able to fi nd peers who lost loved ones and create a friendship with them.”

He adds, “In addition, the 100 Club’s administration members have become friends of mine whom could never be replaced. I have been to various events for the organization and spoken to non-members about how helpful the 100 Club has been in my educational and personal life.”

Michelle Coon, an assistant fi re chief for the Country Club Hills Fire Department, has also never participated in a triathlon. However, she is interested in participating in the 100 Club Challenge, as she believes in its primary mission.

“The 100 Club alleviates one component of an already overwhelming time, and it helps families realize they can still have a future,” Coon says. “There is comfort in knowing this valuable resource is available for people in need.”

Mark Krizik, a member of the Posen Fire Department since 1984, will also be participating in the 100 Club Challenge. Krizik has extensive triathlon experience, as he has competed in nine Transamerica Chicago Triathlons. He fi rst learned about the 100 Club of Chicago through his brother, Bryant, a deputy fi re chief in South Holland, Ill.

“I’m a big believer of what the 100 Club does to support the families of fallen fi refi ghters and police offi cers,” Krizik says. “Also, it will be neat to have a little spirited competition at the 100 Club Challenge to see who ‘offi cially’ comes out on top—the cops or the fi refi ghters.”

To support the 100 Club of Chicago by donating or becoming a member, visit www.100clubchicago.org.

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