Rocklin, Ca. (April 9, 2015) – The Auburn Triathlon will be the home of the 2015 USA Triathlon’s Southwest Regional International Championships. The Southwest region encompasses California, Nevada and Arizona and is one of the ten USA Triathlon regions in the United States. The top 33% of the finishers in each age group will qualify for the 2015 Olympic-Distance National Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 8th.
The Auburn Triathlon, which was started in 2003 by Brad Kerns, is now owned and operated by Tahoe Peak Endurance. Although the international distance is the Southwest Regional Championships two additional race distances are also offered on the same day including a sprint and half-distance triathlon. All three race distances are contested on challenging routes that boast diverse terrain and incredible scenery.
The races begin at Rattle Snake Bar at Folsom Lake with both transitions set up at the Overlook. After swimming in a small bay surrounded by steep canyon walls in Folsom Lake athletes will mount their bikes and head out on mostly hilly, rural roads that include a steep climb up Shirland Tract Road. Upon completion of the bike leg athletes will gear up for the 2 loop run(International Distance) before heading out on the spectator friendly, yet challenging, run course that travels through Auburn State park and the Auburn Canyon edge neighborhoods. Once finished athletes are in agreement that this event has rightfully earned it’s nickname – “The World’s Toughest Half”.
Both the International and Half Distance events look to have competitive fields this year. Elise Winter of Team Freeplay will be competing in International Distance race. This is her first time racing at this venue. Winter won her age-group at the Folsom International Triathlon and Oakland Triathlon in 2014.
“I’m excited to do The World Toughest International which takes place in my backyard,” said Winter. “It’s always fun to see the local support and to see some familiar faces cheering, or racing on the course. I am looking forward to a tough yet, great race.”
Robin Soares will be returning to this event again this year in the Olympic distance race as well. Soares is strong in all three disciplines and has competed in the Auburn Triathlon six times.
“In 2012 & 2013, I had the privilege of winning the Long Course tri overall for women. This year I’ll be doing the Olympic and then heading up a run aid station with my church for the long course athletes (which includes my husband Troy). I hope to place in the top 3 and try to keep up with my training partner and local phenomenon Elise Winter,” said Soares.
“I love the tough climbs on the bike and run. I’ve done the Long Course at Wildflower and believe this course rivals it. After completing this race you can say, ‘yes, I’m tough enough!’.”
The Auburn Triathlon top sponsors include Apollo Energy Corporation, Rocklin Endurance Sports, Bicycle Emporium, Salomon, Alpenglow Sports, and Hammer Nutrition.
To learn more about this event or to register visit www.auburntriathlon.com.
