MADISON- Swim, bike and run all make up a triathlon. The athletic endeavor is one that makes real athletes as the race can be grueling for even the elite athletes that take part in the three skills event. This year’s 40^th Huntsville Sprint Triathlon will remain a challenge to anyone who enters the race, but this time around, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the 2020 version will be a virtual race for all those entered.

Once registered, participants can choose their own triathlon date, time and location anytime between Aug. 1 and Aug. 9. The event will comprise of a 400m swim, 7-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run. After completion of the race, participants must e-mail their elapsed time to bigdogand4@gmail.com to be included in the 2020’s finisher’s list.

Special prizes will be awarded after completion date. Registration ends July 31 or when the 600 limit on registration is met.

Like all sporting events, a lot of preparation is needed for athletes who take on the three-sport skills triathlon. Athletes of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels compete in triathlons to prove to themselves that when you put your mind to something- anything is possible. The allure of the three-sport event is the event is a goal.

Multisport participations takes training both physically and mentally, knowledge of the skills needed to excel along with total commitment. For those who enter a triathlon they quickly find out if takes months of training to meet the demands of the sport. Nutrition is always an issue, so complete training is necessary to excel in a triathlon.

If wanting to commit to a healthier lifestyle is a goal, then entering triathlon training is easily a great event to set that commitment in motion.

Fleet Feet of Huntsville-Madison is providing a Summer 2020 Triathlon Training Program. The 10-week training occurs on Tuesday evenings and some Saturdays. Fee is $100 and all aspects of training for a triathlon will be covered. An array of coaches led by training director Dianna Cioppi will take the training participants on a journey for better health. She said, “A triathlon is a sport that welcomes all ages and sizes. Each discipline is a strength building for the other. One participates as an individual, yet the other athletes give you encouragement as if you were a part of their team.”