The 2014 BecTri, a sprint-distance triathlon, will be held on August 2nd, 2014 in Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon. The BecTri starts at 8:00 a.m. with a 400m swim in Nottingham Lake followed by an out and back 15K bike through Edwards’ Singletree neighborhood and finishing with a 5K run along the Eagle River recreational path. The triathlon is held in memory of Rebecca Lynn Yarberry, a local triathlete and friend who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2007. Becky had a generous heart, a loving spirit, and a passion for triathlons. This race supports the charitable cause Becky was passionate about, the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. In it’s 7th year the race honors her spirit by fostering a race environment that is encouraging to everyone, regardless of skill level.
The open-water, high-altitude swim in Nottingham Lake is back after a hiatus in 2013 when the lake was drained for repairs. “The swim portion of this event draws a huge crowd from out of town participants looking for such a challenge” says Michelle Maloney, VVCF Executive Director.
In addition to the sprint triathlon, two new events have been added in 2014…a 5K walk/run and Kid’s Duathlon. “By adding these two new events, participants of all abilities and age level can come out and join the fun”, says Maloney. The 5K begins at 8:30 am and follows the same course as the triathlon 5K. The kid’s duathlon will travel around Nottingham Lake; 1 lap biking and 1 lap running. The kid’s event will begin at approximately 10:00 am.
For the sprint triathlon, the bike course heads west from Avon through Edwards’ Singletree neighborhood, returning to Avon via Hwy 6. The event finishes with a 5K run that follows the recreational path along the south side of the lake connecting with the scenic Eagle River Path at W. Beaver Creek Blvd. This is an out and back run course. Racers need to be at the race venue by 7:00 a.m. Spectator, volunteer and athlete parking are located in Beaver Creek’s Bear Lot. A silent auction will also be held in the park before and during the race.
The Vail Valley Charitable Fund would like to thank all event sponsors and donors without whom this event would not be possible. Presenting sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, Vail Summit Orthopedics, Team Sea Turtle, and the Town of Avon. Medals for the top 3 finishers in each age category are sponsored by the Vail Daily.
Additional information on the BecTri can be found at www.bectri.com. Registration rates are $65 for individual; $90 for 2-person team; $110 for 3-person team; $30 for the kid’s duathlon and 5K. Online registration is available on active.com until July 30th. Last minute registration is available at Avon Recreation Center on August 1st from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed on race day, 6 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. August 3, please email bectriathlon@gmail.com.