In 1998, Scott Hanna decided it would be a good idea to get back in shape. Hanna was working at the Murphy Medical Center and found Lake Chatuge to be a wonderful place to exercise. As Hanna and co-workers began to train harder, incorporating biking and running into their workouts, they began to take a closer look at the surroundings. They decided that by utilizing the lake, they could create a great triathlon course.

In the summer of 1998, the Great Smoky Mountains Triathlon Club (GSMTC) was formed and they sponsored their first triathlon at Lake Chatuge. About 30 athletes participated. In 1999 GSMTC sponsored about a dozen different races at Lake Chatuge, including their first USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned race.

Hanna said there are 12 races on the calendar for this year, with the possibility of adding one more. The GSMTC race season runs from March through November. The first event this year is is the Spring Fling, scheduled for March 10, in Hayesville, NC. The Spring Fling will include a 5K and 10K run.

The GSMTC will promote five USAT sanctioned triathlons in 2001, including the Chatuge Challenge sprint race on June 2 and the first ever half ironman on June 3. Other events for this year include duathlons, cycling and the 4.5-mile, Fieldstone Invitational Open Water Swim on July 8. Hanna said that the GSMTC is considering adding an adventure race to its schedule in the future.

As the GSMTC schedule grows, so does the need for enthusiastic and capable volunteers. Hanna said that the work is fun and that all volunteers receive race T shirts. For information about participating or volunteering, contact Hanna at 828.389.6982 or by email at tri2000@dnet.net.

For more information about the GSMTC and/or this year’s races visit www.gsmtc.com.

 

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The Smoky Mountain News