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Michelle's Tri returns on Saturday in McCook
McCOOK, Neb. — On Saturday, athletes from McCook and the surrounding areas will celebrate the life of the late Michelle Walters by taking to the pool and McCook streets in her honor.
The third annual Michelle’s Tri will be Saturday morning, starting and ending at the McCook City Pool.
Now in its’ third year, the Michelle Walter’s Memorial Sprint Triathlon honors her spirit and enthusiasm for life. Michelle lived her life by the mantra, “If not now, when?” as she pursued a better life for her and her son, Dorian, through education and a healthy lifestyle.
The Culbertson graduate had also developed a passion for fitness and specifically triathlons before she was killed on the biking portion of the Ironman triathlon in Boulder, Colo., in 2016.
To honor her memory, Michelle’s Tri was added to the Republican River Fitness Series, which Michelle had been an avid participant in up until her death.
Proceeds from Michelle’s Tri benefit her son, who was adopted by Michelle’s sister, Carolyn Walters, now living in Wyoming.
There are many ways to be part of Michelle’s Tri.
Participants can complete the entire triathlon – a 500-yard swim (or water walking), 14-mile bike and a 5K run/walk – on their own.
People can also form a relay team, with one person completing each leg of the race.
Volunteers are also invaluable to the event. Many members of Michelle’s family will be counting laps in the pool, direct traffic on the course and just helping around the triathlon.
There are still opportunities to volunteer on the event.
Contract Race Director Chris Schaben (308-340-7145) to volunteer or visit the RRFS website, www.republicanriverfitnessseries.com, to pick your location from the volunteer opportunities.
Organizers thank the City of McCook for the use of the pool, including lifeguards, as well as with assistance along the bike and run course.
Saturday’s race begins and ends at the McCook City Pool on East M Street.
Participants can either swim the 500 yards or have the option of walking in the shallow end of the city pool for the same distance.
The triathletes will then hop on their bikes for a 14-mile ride, beginning on Country Club Drive out to H and East 11th street.
They will head north for two miles on East 11th, passing Brookdale and the hospital, as they complete a two-loop course.
The race will wrap-up with a run/walk on the walking trails around Kelley Park before finishing at the upper shelter house in the park.