Batavia Triathlon finds new ways to give back

The eighth annual Batavia Triathlon is putting a new spin on charity racing.

New this year is a division where racers can donate to a personal charity, giving them more control over where their money is donated. This was thought up by Anne Whitcomb, in her fourth year as race director.

For participants who choose this option, the fee is higher, but they will receive perks such as race-day packet pickup and a separate transition station for the Sunday, June 12, race.

“We’re a charity race so every year we try to figure out better ways to make money,” Whitcomb said.

The average amount of money donated per year is about $15,000, and the race has donated around $120,000 over its history.

Erin Ruehrwein, director of marketing and sponsorship, has been a participant of the race as well and said charity is important to her.

“I like the mix of the background of the athletes,” Ruehrwein said. “The fact that it’s a charity race, that’s just becoming more and more important to people and something I appreciate.”

There are about 30 to 40 participants who have optioned to choose their own charity, but Ruehrwein said organizers hope it will catch on in later years.

“I think after the first year it will grow,” Ruehrwein said. “The ability to give to a charity personally matters to a lot of people. We’re really hoping to get these initiatives going and to build upon it in the years to come.”

For those who do not choose to donate to their own charity, the money will go to organizations such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and to local organizations such as Batavia Main Street. One hundred percent of profit goes to charity.

Ruehrwein also said the race is great for first-time runners because there are not many participants and the course is not as intimidating as a race in Chicago.

“It’s really a beautiful bike and run course,” Whitcomb said. “So really it’s a very nice local event they don’t have to go to the city, it’s a very convenient race to get to.”

The bike portion of the race is throughout the Batavia Quarry and the run travels along the Fox River. Ruehrwein said the route and the scenery are both reasons the race is great.

The race is capped at 900 participants, which is the amount Whitcomb said it usually has had for the past three years. The race includes a 400-meter swim — in the Batavia Quarry — a 14.7-mile bike ride and 4.1-mile run. There is also the duathlon; the only difference is a 2-mile run instead of a swim at the beginning of the race.

Whitcomb said about two-thirds of the participants run the triathlon.

New this year is a Kids Triathlon for children ages 7 to 12. There are about 42 kids competing in what Whitcomb says is a rising sport for young athletes. That race will contain a 100-meter swim, 2-mile bike and .66 mile run.

“People have asked for (a kids triathlon) for years,” Whitcomb said. “Triathlon is growing fast; it’s huge in the U.S.”

After being involved with the Batavia Triathlon since its third year, Whitmore said contributing to her fellow racers is what keeps her coming back.

“For me I get really excited about it as an active triathlete,” Whitcomb said. “To give my time to the racing community and it’s a huge benefit that we raise money for charity as well, that’s a big thing for me.”

For details on the race and course maps, visit bataviatriathlon.org.