Endicott plans second Tin Foil Man Triathlon

It will be an athletic event for all. People of all ages and ability levels are being called on to participate in Endicott’s second annual Tin Foil Man Triathlon Aug. 26.

The idea for the event was first launched in 2015, but hazardous air quality from nearby wildfires forced it to be cancelled, so last year’s event became the first one.

Jamie Misner, one of the organizers for the event, said this triathlon is really for everyone.

“The whole philosophy is if someone doesn’t think they can do a triathlon this is the triathlon for you,” she said. “It’s a fun, family event.”

The distances for the Tin Foil Man include a 250-yard swim, six-mile bike ride and 1.7(ish)-mile run in the adult category. For kids who are older, there will be a 100-yard swim, two-mile bike ride and one-mile run. For youngsters there is a 50-yard swim (with life jackets allowed), one-mile bike ride and .5(ish)-mile run. The components can be completed by individuals, or in teams of two or three.

All finishers will receive a participant ribbon.

The event will start with the swim, proceed to the bike ride and then to the run. The bike ride is a three-mile trip toward Winona and a three-mile return. Runners will head east on E Street, then down around the multi-floral park and back up going west on D Street before going up the school driveway, left down that driveway and then back to the school and ending in the pool parking lot.

For the youngsters, the bike ride will be around the school for safety reasons, while the run will have them heading out toward the baseball field, around the concession stand and to the playground, then through the school parking lot.

“Everyone will finish the run in the same direction,” said Misner.

The kids’ heats will begin when all adults have finished, around 9 a.m.

Registration for the Tin Foil Man is free, and it can be completed the day of the event starting at 7 a.m. at the Endicott pool. The event officially begins at 8 a.m.

“I feel really passionate about it being free,” said Misner. “The whole point is to get out for a family event, and it’s ridiculous if you want to do it with your family and it costs $150.”

Though the event is free, Tin Foil Man T-shirts have been created, and those will be up for sale for $10 each. Also, there will be a raffle for several items, including things such as a gift card to 165 degrees brew in Colfax and Tia’s Truffles in Endicott. To obtain a raffle ticket, any amount of money can be donated. The money raised will go to benefit sports programs.

“The money is going to the SELW swim team and to the (Endicott) middle school programs to help with anyone who needs financial assistance with sports such as shoes for cross country or fees,” said Misner.

Participants in the Tin Foil Man do not have to be Endicott residents.