HURON — Huron residents are invited and encouraged to come out and cheer on the 60-plus athletes competing in the Ravine Lake Triathlon on Saturday, July 29.

This triathlon began as a way to show off Huron’s oasis of fun with Ravine Lake and Putter’s and Scoops and has grown to be a favorite competitive event for casual and serious triathletes.  

This year, organizers are honoring Huron triathlete Ethan Marquardt, who experienced a brain tumor in January 2023, by educating participants and the community about the risks and symptoms for brain tumor.

New this year is the High School Team Challenge where athletes can compete to win $500 for their team.

The event also supports the HHS boys’ basketball team with a contribution for their volunteerism at the event.

Richard Ford, a triathlete from Connecticut who has set a goal to compete in a triathlon in each state over the next three years, has chosen the Ravine Lake triathlon for his South Dakota competition. Ford is also a talented vocalist who will add his talent to the event by singing the National Anthem.

The Sprint triathlon is open to individuals and teams and includes a 750-meter swim in Lake Ravine, 12.4 miles on the bike and a 5K run. There’s also an Olympic distance for those wanting a bigger challenge.

The course is basically two times around the Sprint course and is the following distances — 1,500-meter swim, 24.8 mile bike and a 10K run. Olympic racers will begin first at 7:30 a.m.

Kids ages 12 and under are invited to join in the free fun run which will take place about 10 a.m. All participants get a free treat at Putters and Scoops.

The grassy knoll at Putters & Scoops provides a great place to camp out in your lawn chair and watch all of the action as athletes start by swimming in Ravine Lake, transition in the parking lot to bike east on Highway 14 and finish running through Memorial and Riverside Parks, ending with a lap around Ravine Lake bike trail.

For those interested in competing, registration is still open and will be available on Friday evening during packet pick-up from 5 to 7 p.m. at the shelter behind Putters & Scoops.

Details are available at https://raceroster.com/events/2023/72892/2023-ravine-lake-triathlon.

More information and videos detailing Marquardt’s journey are on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RavineLakeTriathlon.