The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon Offers Something for All Ages
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The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon has been a tradition in Culver since it was founded nine years ago. Coordinators Dana Neer and Troy Frazer are looking forward to this year’s race and festivities in Culver on August 8.
When Neer first started the triathlon, he had four initial goals in mind. The first was to host a wellness event in a spectacular location. The triathlon route takes participants throughout Culver – they’ll pass through the grounds of Culver Academies, the historic Maxinkuckee Village and the town park.
“There’s rolling terrain, so it’s challenging but beautiful,” Neer says. “You get some good views of the whole area, and we’re really working on the trail areas in Culver here as part of the grant we received. Part of that grant is enhancing the trails.”
The second goal in creating the event was to bring people from all over the county into Culver. Culver boasts a large number of small, local restaurants and other businesses. The town has wonderful amenities, and the triathlon provides a great opportunity for people to see all that the area has to offer.
The third goal was to donate all of the proceeds from the event to charity. Various organizations receive donations from the event every year including the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, Phi Kappa, and the Boys & Girls Club.
The final goal was to bring Culver alumni back to the area. Alumni have the opportunity to enjoy the grounds, see old friends and participate in something that benefits the area. Neer says the event brings alumni from all over the country.
There are participation options for everyone – adults and children alike can take part in something to get them active. Adults can form teams or participate in the triathlon as singles. The triathlon begins with a 400-meter swim, then an 11-mile bike ride, and finally a five-kilometer run. If the water is not something you’re interested in, the event also includes a duathlon, which consists of a two-kilometer run, an 11-mile bike ride, and another run of five kilometers.
Children ages five to seven can participate in a mini triathlon that consists of a 50-meter swim, a one-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run. Children ages eight to 12 swim 75 meters, bike one mile, then run one mile. The children’s events take place on the Culver Academies campus, with the swim route nearby. Personal flotation devices are allowed.
Participants in any of the races will have access to various amenities. Those who register before July 26 will receive a free t-shirt. All participants will have access to all-you-can-eat food tents that will feature grilled chicken, pasta, salads and desserts. All food will be prepared by local chefs. There will also be a beer garden, including a tent sponsored by Budweiser. People of all ages can enjoy live music on the lake, and participants are encouraged to visit various fitness vendors and massage therapists that will be present.
Approximately 140 volunteers typically come out to help make the event successful. The Culver football team plays a huge part in the day, helping to facilitate the children’s race, cheering the kids on, and placing medals on each participant.
“It’s a comprehensive part of who Culver is,” Neer says of the event, and the volunteers who keep it running smoothly. “It’s wonderful volunteerism, and the spirit is phenomenal.”
If the Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon isn’t your speed, there are other race options in the area. The Tippy Trail race in Winamac, which consists of five-mile and 10-mile races, will take place on April 18, and the Culver half marathon race is scheduled for September 12.
The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon will take place on Saturday, August 8 at Culver Academies. For more info including race details and a registration page, visit culver.org/lakemaxtriathlon.
