When Margaret Donnelly started working at the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Department three years ago, she had an idea.<\/p>\n
“It’s been something I have been thinking about \u2026 we finally have the time and a plan,” said Donnelly, who works as health and wellness coordinator for Carbondale Parks and Rec.<\/p>\n
After years of planning and partnering with Aloha Mountain Cyclery and Independence Run and Hike, the first Full Moon Winter Triathlon will get under way 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the rodeo grounds just east of town, under the full moon.<\/p>\n
“I always thought it would be fun to do a winter triathlon,” Donnelly said. “It brings together all the outdoor adventures, and spirit of the valley,”<\/p>\n
With help from coworkers and town of Carbondale employees, Donnelly has designed a closed course that uses the Rio Grande Trail and the rodeo grounds to highlight some of the public spaces the area has to offer.<\/p>\n
“It’s a chance to enjoy the area we live in, with the activities we like,” Donnelly said.<\/p>\n
She added that the event will give people a chance to embrace events they might not be good at in a safe environment.<\/p>\n
The triathlon will consist of 5-kilometer run, 5K cross-country ski (classic or skate), and a 5K fat tire bike ride.<\/p>\n
The Yaktrax-aided run will start on the Rio Grande Trail bike path across from the rodeo grounds.<\/p>\n
The route will take runners down the trail toward Carbondale to a turnaround point at 2.5K, and back to the rodeo grounds.<\/p>\n
Competitors will transition from the run to the cross-country skiing, heading toward Catherine’s Store Bridge on the trail 2.5 kilometers out and then back.<\/p>\n
“The course is long, but it’s not that challenging because of the grade,” Donnelly added. “You get a little bit of uphill and some downhill.”<\/p>\n
The final leg will be the fat tire bike ride over the 0.8-mile course around the rodeo grounds that was built for the event.<\/p>\n
“They will do four laps around an amazing trail around the rodeo grounds,” Donnelly said.<\/p>\n
Donnelly designed the course so none of the trails will cross, and participants won’t have to worry about running into each other during the different legs of the event.<\/p>\n
The race can be done by individuals or teams of three, depending on your fitness ability and experience with each discipline.<\/p>\n
“I workout regularly at the recreation center, and I’ve been hearing the buzz about it,” Carbondale resident and cross-country skiing enthusiast Terri Ritchie said.<\/p>\n
Ritchie talked a few friends into entering the new Carbondale event.<\/p>\n
“This event sounded like it was friendly for all levels,” Ritchie added. “I’m looking forward to exercising with friends and getting outdoors, being a part of the community event.”<\/p>\n
All entrants must provide their own equipment; Donnelly said that Aloha Mountain Cyclery and Independence Run and Hike can direct interested individuals to places that have rentals in the vicinity.<\/p>\n
Participants in the fat tire bike leg of the race will need to bring helmets and lights for their bikes for safety.<\/p>\n
Interested parties can register the day of the event, with registration from 3 \u2013 4 p.m. Saturday.<\/p>\n
It is $30 if participants pre-register by 3 p.m. Friday, January 18th and $35 at the event on Saturday.<\/p>\n
For more information and to register visit http:\/\/www.carbondalerec.com<\/a><\/p>\n “It’s just a good way to get the community together and have good community spirit,” Donnelly added. “We want people to come out and have a good time, and enjoy the outside.”<\/p>\n