ONE WORLD TRIATHLON – CINCINNATI
Presented by Tucson Racing, Inc.
PO Box 417
Loveland, OH 45140
(928) 607-6737For More Information: Contact Susan Schultz, (513)240-4284
May 7, 2008 – For Immediate Release: First Cincinnati Riverfront Triathlon Makes
Sporting History.The One World Triathlon – Cincinnati makes history with its inaugural event on
Cincinnati’s Riverfront. The event builds on a strong history of sporting “firsts” in
Cincinnati and the Ohio region.
“Most people are unaware of the number of sporting events that started in Ohio and the Cincinnati area,” said race director, Jonathan Grinder. “Our goal is to combine the
beauty of the riverfront, the excitement of the three disciplines of triathlon – swimming, cycling, and running, and combine a great dose of competition and crowd support to build on the pride of sporting history in this area of the country.”
Sports and athletic activities have been important part in the lives of Ohioans since the state’s settlement in the 1780s. As the industrial economy grew and large cities became more dominant, organized athletic activities began to develop. After the Civil War, and especially at the end of the nineteenth century, professional baseball and football teams were established, and amateur sports clubs formed in the growing numbers of city gymnasiums.
German immigrants brought to Ohio athletic traditions of their homeland that had a
significant impact on American culture. Educator Friedrich Ludwig Jahn developed a
series of gymnastic exercises, to which he applied the German verb turnen. Clubs
devoted to improving mind and body through physical training were called Turnvereins, and participants were known as Turners. Cincinnati was home to the first Turnverein in the United States, established in 1848. Classes were offered for all ages and both men and women participated.
“This history is directly related to the establishment of triathlon as a sport, and the clubs and groups dedicated to participating in this exciting sport,” commented Grinder.
Registrations continue to pour in for the event, June 29th in downtown Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati One World Triathlon’s youth charity partner is Neediest Kids of All.
Providing basic necessities for needy children, NKOA serves more than 10,000 children
in over 700 schools, Head start sites, and provides for foster children in the Juvenile Court system. Athletes may donate to NKOA at the time they sign up for the One World Event, at Active.com, and proceeds from the finish line festival will benefit NKOA. The triathlon will also benefit local Ohio River charities, including funding for the bike trail from Lunken Airport to downtown being sponsored by Ohio River Way.
Athletes can get more information and talk about the Cincinnati One World Triathlon, on-line, at
http://cincyoneworldtri.blogspot.com/.”
Registration is limited to 1200, and spots are still available, to sign up or volunteer, go to
www.cincytriathlon.com.
The triathlon will be staged at Sawyer Point, on the banks of the Ohio River. The swim
will be a point to point downstream course in the Ohio River. The bike course will close
all 6 lanes of the Columbia Parkway and include a quick loop through downtown. The
run will be in shaded parks along the Ohio River.
The Cincinnati One World Triathlon takes place in conjunction with Paddlefest, the
premier canoe and kayak paddling event on the Ohio River (
www.paddlefest.org ).
Paddlefest, on June 27 and 28, offers paddling and outdoor activities for the whole
family. Pre-triathlon events sponsored by Cincinnati One World Triathlon include the
Ohio River Open Water Swim Race on Saturday, June 28.
The Cincinnati One World Triathlon is limited to just 1200 entries in its first year and is sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the sport of triathlon’s national governing body. The event is sponsored by CinWeekly, Local 12, the CW, and supported by TriSports.com, The Runner’s Depot, Team Cycling & Fitness, the Trek Store, FUZE, Genuine Innovations, the Millenium Hotel, Mt. Carmel Brewery, and The Athlete Inside. Finish line festival partners include GoodJuice.org, and McCabe’s Granola. The event is presented by Tucson Racing, Inc. and is accepting additional sponsor support. For more information, or to receive a sponsorship package, email Race Director Jonathan Grinder at
racedirector@tucsonracing.com.
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© 2008