Students, faculty, and off-campus participants will compete Saturday, May 30, in Principia’s first Escape to the Bluffs Triathlon.
The race will start at 8 a.m. at the Crafton Athletic Center natatorium, where competitors will begin with the swimming leg. Entrants will line up alongside the pool’s edge according to racing bib number, and will begin the swim in the water.
After the first participant commences, each competitor will be sent in at ten second intervals. Participants will swim 400 meters, or 16 lengths, in a serpentine fashion, moving into the neighboring lane to make room for competitors behind them. Once the swim is completed, competitors will climb out of the pool and make their way through Crafton to the transition area.
The transition area, located in the Crafton parking lot, is a space where triathletes change clothes, grab food and water, and shift gears for the leg of the race.
Next is the cycling segment, which will meander 23 kilometers (14.38 miles) through the Elsah community along Elsah Hills Road, Beltrees Road, and Green Acres Road.
Assistant Professor of Theatre Patrick McCreary, a long-time triathlete, described the cycling leg as having a few challenging hills, plus tricky and technical descents, but also as being picturesque and breathtaking. Cyclists will dismount before entering the transition zone, then rack their bikes, lace up their running shoes, and start the run.
The run is the final portion of the triathlon. It will head down Eliestoun Road, loop around the Eliestoun Mansion, and travel back towards Firehouse Road where the race begins to wind down. Competitors will know they have almost finished when they glimpse the chapel finish line, and make the final sprint on the chapel green.
When participants finish the triathlon, they are entitled to a special lunch provided by Dining Services, though food will be available for guests to purchase.
Following the triathlon and lunch, an awards ceremony will take place on the chapel steps. Winners in their separate divisions will receive a custom award, crafted by Elsah’s Crocker and Springer pottery shop.
The divisions for the triathlon categorize participants by age, gender, individual vs. relay, and by whether they are alumni, current students, or off-campus participants.
Triathlon registration remains open to Principia until today. The event focuses on including the surrounding Elsah-Alton-St. Louis community.
McCreary said he was approached by Special Events Coordinator Tim Booth to spearhead the organization of the triathlon as a new method of reaching out to the greater community. McCreary said the purpose of the triathlon is to create awareness of Principia’s facilities, history, and beauty. He added, “[The triathlon] is an excellent opportunity to meet and compete with members of the community and to enjoy a beautiful day on our property.”
Since this is the first triathlon hosted by Principia College, McCreary said he hopes to start a new tradition. But in order for there to be another triathlon next year, this year’s triathlon needs to prove self-sustainable.
McCreary said, “This [triathlon] is not being subsidized; it needs to pay for itself.” Registration fees, in addition to sponsorship from Wild Trak Bikes in Alton, pay for T-shirts, race bibs, timers, and food. Whatever profit is made from the event will be deposited into the Blue and Gold fund for Principia athletes.
Despite the pressure of organizing a successful event, McCreary said, “[I am] grateful to [Dr. Palmer] for his support of the new outreach event.”
McCreary, who has competed in 142 triathlons over the last 19 years, will not compete in the Escape to the Bluffs triathlon. He said, “I would love to participate, but I’m committed to making sure it’s well-organized, safe, and fun for all participants.”
Subscribe