Before COVID, an idea came about – what if Fishers hosted a triathlon? With many running events already in place, how could a cross-sport event affect Fishers? These questions were placed on the back burner, but brought to life late in 2023 by the committee of Fishers Area Swimming Tigers (FAST).
As a U.S.A. Triathlon certified course, the Fishers Sprint Triathlon (FST) will bring in people from the surrounding area and have the benefit of being one of the earliest triathlons of the season in this area. It has been made possible by the City of Fishers, the FAST board, and Tuxedo Brothers Event Management.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who just wants to shake off the rust,” says Jim Ziino, FST committee member.
FST committee members include a triathlete, a parent of a triathlete, and other athletes. The committee is made up of Liz Kallas, John Ruby, Noel Perkins and Ziino.
“We’ve created a good relationship with [the City of Fishers],” Ziino says. “We want to continue to foster that relationship with them, because we believe in the same ideals that the city has for a healthy living community.”
The FST will be hosted at Geist Waterfront Park on May 17. The swim event is 400 meters, the biking event is 12 miles, and the run will be a 5K. However, the triathlon is not the only option for athletes.
“This is how we’re trying to engage the community a little bit more,” Ziino says. “If you feel that you don’t, or you can’t, do the full triathlon that we are offering, you can build a relay team where one person may swim, one person may bike and one person may run.”
In addition, an aqua bike race (swimming followed by biking, with no running) and duathlon (running, biking, and running again, with no swimming) are both available. Athletes are able to select one race to participate in.
In addition to the City of Fishers, Ziino extends his thanks to the neighborhoods that will be affected by the triathlon.
Race packets will be available for pickup May 16 at Athletic Annex. On May 17, be prepared to arrive at or before 7:30 a.m. All events will begin at or shortly after 8 a.m.
For those interested in volunteering, and for more info on the race, visit fasttigers.com/fisherssprinttriathlon. Ziino encourages everyone to come out and cheer on the athletes.
For those looking to run other races around the same time as the FST, keep in mind that Tuxedo Brothers is including the FST in its multi-race discount.
Follow FAST on Instagram @fasttigers for updates and announcements.
