FIFTH THIRD BANK STEPS UP TO SPONSOR WOODRIDGE ROTARY CLUB’S 14TH MINI TRIATHLON

Chicagoland’s LARGEST Mini Triathlon is slated for Sunday, August 18 at Cypress Cove Aquatic Park, 8301 Janes Ave, Woodridge.  Fifth Third Bank, with two branches in Woodridge and one in Downers Grove, has stepped up to serve as the lead sponsor for the 2013 Rotary Mini Triathlon.  1000 participants are expected to line up for this year's event.

This very popular, fun event is organized by the Woodridge Rotary Club.  Silver and finish line sponsors include Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital, Wilton Brands, Illinois American Water, Girgis Orthodontics, Bridgeview Bank, and Home Run Inn Pizza.  This year, as a spin-off of the Rotary Club’s practice to give all funds raised at the event back to the community, participants can choose one of 6 helping organizations when they register, and the Woodridge Club will give $5 of the registration fee to that organization. The organizations that will benefit from participant donations are SEASPAR (South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation), Woodridge Community Resource Center, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer, Family Shelter Service, Dupage Habitat for Humanity, and the West Suburban Community Pantry.

"The commitment by Fifth Third Bank and all our sponsors is critical to supporting the important work that Rotary does in the community." commented Debbie Mascitti, Club President. "We have supported the volunteer efforts of many organizations in our community through the Mini Triathlon."

""We are so proud to be involved in this event and in the community,” said Jennifer Glocksen, Fifth Third Woodridge manager. “Fifth Third Bank was the first company in the U.S. to start its own foundation. This commitment to be involved in a way that offers genuine, meaningful impact in all the communities we serve is a longstanding one.”

The Main Mini Triathlon Event starts at 7AM and is geared towards athletes of all abilities, age, shapes and sizes. Whether participants are rookie triathletes, seasoned veterans in training, or weekend warriors, this event is the perfect distance. It requires a 250 yard swim (10 lengths of the pool), a 10K (6.2 mile) bike ride, and then a 2 mile run. Fees are $55/person for individuals and $35 per relay team member.  Because of the swim-time requirement for start-time placement, there are no same-day sign-ups.

The KiKs Event, for youth athletes under 12, starts at 10:30, and includes a 100 yard swim (4 lengths of the pool), a 5K (3.1 mile) bike ride and a 1 mile run. Fees for kids are $45 for individuals and $25 per each relay team member.

Besides the sense of accomplishment felt by all, participants receive a goody bag, t-shirt, snacks, prizes, and this year a beverage and food after the event is over. Full information, course maps, etc. are at www.woodridgerotary.org.   Volunteers are needed to help on the course and with the athletes.