The triathlon is a sport combining the disciplines of swimming, cycling and running into one race. A relatively new sport, the triathlon began to gain popularity after the grueling Hawaiian Ironman in 1978, comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, a 11.2-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run. This inaugural event attracted 15 participants, and after the nine hours it took the athletes to complete the race, only 12 finished. For completing this physically draining race, triathletes are believed to be the most fit of endurance athletes.

This Saturday, 70 members of Oberlin’s College and local community will be participating in their own endurance race — Oberlin’s first annual Splash ‘n’ Dash Triathlon. Not quite as vigorous as the Ironman, this sprint triathlon consists of a 500-yard swim, 20-kilometer bike and five-kilometer run. Participants are able to race the entire event or divide into teams, where each member completes a leg of the race.

The amount of participation came as a shock to organizers who were only expecting about 20 people to sign up given the demanding nature of completing a triathlon. Also, with the charter of the Triathlon Club still in the Student Senate committee to be passed, first-year Julia Rossi and co-organizer Mark Fino, the head women’s swim coach, had some uncertainty of whether students would be motivated to train individually.

The goal of the Triathlon Club will be to provide a fun and motivational environment to prepare people for the Splash n’ Dash and other events in the surrounding area. Next year organizers anticipate an even greater turnout once the club is sanctioned because students will be able to train together.

Regardless of the absence of an official club, students still signed up by the masses to partake in this incredible athletic undertaking. Because of such a high turnout, there is much excitement surrounding the event. Race organizers expect a competitive field in both individual and team events.

Talented swimmers sophomore Kate Boyd and first-year Kiri Ulmschneider are anticipated to place high. Ulmschneider details that both have been training together and plan to “push one another during the race.” Colorfully describing their race strategy, Boyd stated that she is looking forward to the two hours of “physical, emotional and mental exhaustion.”

In the men’s division the juniors are making a stand with harrier Adam Morse and stellar swimmers Yorgos Strangas and Thomas Limouze all expecting a top finish.

With over 14 teams registered, the team division should also present an exciting competition. Along with an exciting race anticipated from top-ranked Team O.C. Tennis and The Incredibles, Oberlin students created very interesting team names. Team Rumpledelthump found their inspiration from a dish at Stevenson Dining Hall. First-year Lydia Moore found inspiration for team Fluffernutter from the popular marshmallow and peanut butter sandwich.

Fino expects the team aspect of the event will generate the most spirited competition: “Some of the names the students came up with were unbelievably crazy. I’ve also heard rumors of teams creating their own uniforms. It’s great to have people so excited about this race. That was the whole purpose in creating it.”

Both the individuals and teams will begin their journey in the icy waters of Carr Pool. From there, they will hop onto their bikes and follow the beautiful trail along Butternut Ridge and the local bike path, ending back at Philips Gym. The race concludes with a two-lap run around the perimeter of North Fields. Following the race, an awards ceremony will be held for top-placing finishers, as well as a raffle for all of the particpants.

The race begins at 10 a.m. at Philips Gym. The student body is urged to cheer on their fellow peers as they complete this incredible feat. Also, volunteers are needed to monitor the course. If you plan to volunteer, please contact Julia Rossi at Julia.Rossi@oberlin.edu.