Back in February we reported that Endorphin Fitness was bringing the Liberty University Online Academy East Coast Triathlon Festival back to Richmond on the first weekend in May. Well, now that weekend is rapidly approaching and triathletes from all over the country are gearing up for the early-season event. The races take place at the Innsbrook Office Park in Glen Allen. The “Elite Cup” race is one of three national races in which youth and junior elite triathletes compete for a chance to qualify for the National Championships held in Ohio in August.

A scene from last year’s East Coast Triathlon Festival.

Now in its second year, the day of racing has become an early-season highlight for local and national triathletes. Michael Harlow, Endorphin Fitness founder, said he that about 750 elite junior athletes, amateur kids and adults will toe the line in three separate race formats. The races include a kid’s fun race for ages seven to 15; a super sprint distance for amateur youth and adults; and the headline youth/junior elite cup event. The elite race, which is a draft-legal, Olympic-style format, will draw the top 13 to 19 year olds from across the country and Canada. Harlow added that he expects more than 1,200 spectators and family members to watch the day’s activities.

This year’s event will also include a group of disabled athletes from United Athletics, an organization that pairs able-bodied athletes with individuals that require physical assistance. Last year’s East Coast Triathlon Festival brought athletes to Richmond from 33 states as well as 19 athletes from Canada.