When a fellow Zionsville Rotary Club member suggested a sprint triathlon as a fundraising idea, Roger Oberweiser ran with it.
Oberweiser took on the responsibility of organizing it and serving as an event director.
The sixth annual Zionsville Sprint Triathlon is set for 8 a.m. Aug. 28 at Azionaqua Swim Club, 4875 Willow Rd., Zionsville.
The event features four serpentine lengths in a 50-meter pool, a 12-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. There are age-group award winners from ages 15 to 75 and older.
Racemakers Productions helps run the sprint triathlon.
Proceeds benefit the Zionsville Rotary Club, which donates the funds to the Care Center food pantry and other area nonprofits. Oberweiser said the Rotary Club helps with the Million Meal Movement.
“We’re always looking for projects to do to give back to the community,” said Oberweiser, a Zionsville resident.
The 2021 event raised more than $7,000.
“Our goal is always to get to 200-plus entries,” Oberweiser said. “We’re at the 150 mark right now.”
Oberweiser said the 2021 total was a little less than 150 competitors.
Oberweiser said participation was down in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, there were nearly 200 competitors.
“We want to make it a great event for the participants,” he said. “We’re not looking to have 1,000 participants. We would put a cap on it because if it gets too big, it’s no fun for anyone. We’ve talked about in the future adding a relay to it or adding (other) components to it.”
Oberweiser said volunteers are needed to help with the event.
“It’s so hard to find people,” he said. “We need 50 to 60 volunteers to help out. We’re a small Rotary Club. I’d like to get more adult volunteers out there to help out.”
To inquire about volunteering or register for the race, visit zionsvilletriathlon.com. Registration deadline is Aug. 25.
