Swimmers round a buoy during the Columbus Challenge Triathlon at Tipton Lakes Marina in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018.
The Republic file photo
Foundation For Youth started the Columbus Challenge Triathlon in the mid-1990s as an annual fundraiser for youth programs.
The triathlon continued for 23 years until 2019, with FFY realized the investment was not worth the time constraints on its staff.
Friday afternoon, the Columbus Running Club announced that it was bringing back the Columbus Challenge Triathlon after a two-year hiatus. This year’s event will be Aug. 20 at Tipton Lakes Marina.
Competitors rack their bicycles before the Columbus Challenge Triathlon at Tipton Lakes Marina in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018.
The Republic file photo
Swimmers round a buoy during the Columbus Challenge Triathlon at Tipton Lakes Marina in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018.
The Republic file photo
Unlike previous Columbus Challenge Triathlons, which included an Olympic distance event, this year’s race will have only a sprint triathlon. There will be a relay option for those who want to split up the swim, bike and run.
Traditionally, the Columbus Challenge Triathlon had been held the first Saturday in August. But it will be a couple weeks later this year, with the Tough Mudder at Ceraland having taken over the early August date upon its arrival in 2019.
The sprint triathlon course will remain the same as in previous years. Proceeds from the triathlon will benefit the Columbus Running Club’s youth cross-country and track teams, as well as events such as the Elementary School Fun Run.
Columbus Running Club officials reached out to FFY for permission to bring back the event. Organizers are working with Foundation For Youth to ensure the hand off of the race is a smooth transfer to ensure the same quality event participants have experienced in the past.
Jen Morrill, a former FFY staffer and Columbus Challenge Triathlon race director, welcomed the chance to help out the Columbus Running Club with this year’s race.
“I didn’t hesitate to say yes when Columbus Running Club president Josh Knight approached me about helping the club bring back the event.” Morrill said. “The Columbus Challenge was a great event for seasoned triathletes to first timers. We are bringing our community together to be active while raising money for kids, both of which I am very passionate about.”
Anyone interested in helping organize, sponsor or volunteer at the event can reach out to the Columbus Running Club at runcolumbus@gmail.com
