Approximately 600 Athletes to Battle It Out At 2012 Wet Dog Triathlon

Set for July 21, 2012, the Wet Dog Triathlon returns to Point Mallard Park in Decatur bringing with it approximately 600 athletes from across the United States and beyond. The race begins at 7 a.m. with a 400 meter swim in the Tennessee River followed by a 15 kilometer bike ride and ends with a 5 kilometer scenic run along the banks of the Tennessee River.   

The Wet Dog Triathlon was started by the Decatur Jaycees thirteen years ago as a local fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Morgan County. The first event attracted a mere 87 athletes. Today, it has grown to be a top athletic event for the region with the 2011 race attracting competitors from 17 states and three countries. The event was recently voted #2 in Active.com’s Top 8 “First Time Must Try Triathlons.”

The Ben Parker Project is slated to perform under the covered pavilion throughout the event as participants battle it out on foot, on bike, and in the water. The competition wraps up around 11 a.m. following an awards ceremony.

Entry fees are $40 for individual, $100 for a team entry, and $90 for a family of three. Registration is available online at www.active.com (keyword “wet dog”) or a registration form may be picked up at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office before Wednesday, July 18^th. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morgan County. Last year, the Wet Dog Triathlon raised $12,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nonprofit mentoring organization providing guidance and support for the youth in Morgan, Winston, Cullman, and Lawrence County areas.

Special lodging rates are available at Country Inn and Suites, Microtel Inn and Suites, and Best Western. Corporate sponsorships are still needed. For more information, contact Leah Brothers, executive director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, at 256.353.0157 or visit www.bbbsmcal.org.