Do a triathlon, help a duathlon

Two triathlons -- one big, one small -- to preview for you this afternoon, plus I've got details on how to get involved with a world-class event slated for Concord at the end of the month.

The Take Flight Triathlon

The final race in the TrySports Triathlon Development Series will take place at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the NOMAD Aquatic Center in Huntersville. It's a sprint tri -- 250 yards in the pool, 10 miles on a hilly bike course, then a hilly 5K.

Organizer Chris Hawkins says registration is filling up fast, with more than 400 athletes registered. Beneficiary is Garrett's Wings (details here), and the race tees are long-sleeved technical shirts. Registration is currently $70, plus $10 more if you're not a USAT member. Full details are here.

There's also a pre-race pasta dinner at Harris Road Middle School that sounds pretty cool: It begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and features keynote speaker, Sheila Taormina, who won a gold medal in the 4x200 freestyle relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic triathlons, and at the 2008 Beijing Games (in the modern pentathlon).

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Batten Disease Support & Research Association (details here). Cost is $15 in advance ($10 for ages 3-12) or $20 at the door. Pre-registration page is here.

Bradfield Farms 1st Annual Sprint Triathlon

Can't vouch for how well this one will be organized (no one can, since it's a brand-new race), but it's hard to argue with a $10 triathlon, particularly if you're on a budget! This one is being hosted by the Bradfield Farms neighborhood off I-485 in the Reedy Creek/Harrisburg area, and will cover sprint distances (500-meter pool swim, 12.5-mile bike, 5K run). Race day is Saturday, Sept. 26; start time is set for 8 a.m.

In a news release, organizer Kelli Enos writes: "This is meant to be a fun event. For those experienced in these types of activities, you can also be very serious about competing, but this is a day to enjoy some great exercise, competition, and socializing."

As I said, registration fee is just $10 for individuals (or $25 for a relay team). There's also a "Mini Triathlon" for kids 13 and younger that costs only $5 and has distances of 100 meters in the water, three miles on the bike, and one mile on foot.

Sign-up sheets are available on the Bradfield Farms Web site (click here) or by e-mailing Enos at kellirealty@yahoo.com.

Volunteers needed

The ITU Duathlon World Championships are coming to Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord on Saturday, Sept. 26. Registration for the event closed Aug. 26, but "there is a pretty big need [for] volunteers for the race," reports Chris Lamperski, a local athlete who will be competing in the event.

Organizers need help for the following shifts: 5 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (four people needed); 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (four people); and 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (eight people).

If you would like to help with the world championships, contact Amanda Duke, Team USA/USAT National Events Coordinator, at 719-597-9090; or e-mail amanda@usatriathlon.org You also can sign up online by clicking here. Sharon Koontz is coordinating the volunteers for the transition area, and can be reached via e-mail at skoontz1@carolina.rr.com.

"I hope we can get some good people out there to help," Lamperski says. "Having local running/cycling friends assisting in a world-class event while cheering on locals competing would be pretty sweet."