35th Annual ‘Eppie’s Great Race’ to Introduce New Race Divisions

The 35th annual “Eppie’s Great Race” — known as “The World’s Oldest Triathlon” — is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2008. This year’s event will introduce three new race divisions for competitors at both ends of the age spectrum: Junior Ironman and Junior Ironwoman Divisions (for competitors, ages 18 years and under); and Ironwoman-Age 60 years and older. The “Iron” divisions signify that the participating Eppie’s Great Race competitor completes all three Race legs themselves (running 5.82 miles, biking 12.5 miles and then paddling 6.35 miles, along the American River Parkway), rather than completing one leg of Eppie’s Great Race as a member of a three-person team. Potential Great Race event participants, volunteers, event sponsors and potential exhibitors, are encouraged to check: www.thegreatrace.org, to register or receive more information.

Both teams and/or individuals can compete in Eppie’s Great Race, participating in a variety of divisions from “Junior,” to “Iron Person,” 14 - 70 years and older, and team divisions that include “Family,” “Corporate,” and “Police & Fire Division,” among others. The Eppie’s Great Race participants run 5.82 miles, cycle 12.5 miles, and paddle boats 6.35 miles, on a racecourse located on and alongside the American River Parkway. Also scheduled for July 19, 2008, will be the Eppie’s Great Race “Kaiser Permanente Kids’ Duathlon,” a 2.5 mile run, and a 6 mile bike ride; where children can train with their families, and compete in their own race. Find information regarding both Eppie’s Great Race and the Eppie’s Great Race Kaiser Permanente Kids Duathlon on: www.thegreatrace.org.

The 35th annual Eppie’s Great Race is adding the new divisions of Junior Ironman and Junior Ironwoman, and Ironwoman 60 years and older, in response to multiple requests from previous Great Race competitors. During its 35-year history, Eppie’s Great Race competitors have shifted from primarily team participation initially, to now over half competing as Iron people, as well as in teams.

Eppie’s Great Race has been implemented each year as a fundraising event benefiting programs for the Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services (SCTRS), which support mentally- and physically-challenged people. Proceeds from the Eppie’s Great Race entry fees are donated to support SCTRS. To date, The Great Race has raised more than $900,000 for SCTRS, accounting for over 20% of the program’s budget.

Eppie’s Great Race Founder Eppie Johnson is welcoming several new sponsors to the Great Race this year, including VSP Vision Care and Emulex, Corporation, joining ongoing Eppie’s Great Race sponsors Kaiser Permanente, California Family Fitness, City of Rancho Cordova, Sports Chalet, Old Spaghetti Factory, Sacramento Sports Commission, Pacific Coast Building Products, Brookfield’s Restaurants, Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Brokerage, Hummer of Sacramento, and the County of Sacramento Regional Parks Department, among others.

When - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Start Times -

Eppie's Great Race:

• 7:58 a.m. - Adaptive Divisions.
• 8:00 a.m. - Ironpersons & all other teams.

Eppie’s Great Race Kaiser Permanente Kids Duathlon:

• 10:00 a.m.

Where - American River Parkway, Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, California:

• Begins at William Pond Recreation Area: From Hwy. 50, exit Watt Avenue North, turn right on Fair Oaks Blvd., and then right on Arden Way to the Park. From the Capital City Freeway, exit Arden Way East, and stay on Arden Way to William Pond Recreation Area.
• Run-to-Bike Transition: East end of the Guy West Bridge off University Ave., across from CSUS.
• Bike-to-Boat Transition: Located at Lower Sunrise Parking Lot and Footbridge - Hwy. 50 East; Exit Sunrise north (left over the freeway); Right on S. Bridge Dr. (toward American River Raft Rentals; if you cross Sunrise Bridge you’ve gone too far). Go past American River Raft Rentals; left at intersection—about ½ mile to the parking lot.

For Further Info: Please check the web site at: www.thegreatrace.org, or call the Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreational Services: (916) 381-0255.