NMITF unveils plans for second Enticer

With two races already in the books, the local multisport season is clearly in full swing and the Northern Marianas Islands Triathlon Federation is continuing to offer the latest group of rookies and the veterans another short distance race to get them ready for Rota in November.

Last month more than 60 people of all ages braved the wind and rain in Marpi for the first event of the NMITF Enticer Series, and several have already caught the multisport bug.

This Saturday, Sept. 17, the new faces that took to the pool and donned their goggles will take the next step from the 200-meter swim course by heading into the lagoon at Pau Pau Beach for the 400m swim at 8am.

Those unsure of themselves in water can take comfort in the fact that the entire length of the course is no more than 3-4 feet deep. Another bonus for the newbies is that the salt water of the Philippine Sea allows the swimmers to navigate the course with ease.

Once out of the water the budding triathletes will transition to the 8km bike course that will lead them down the winding Marpi roads and back to the parking lot. From there the swimmers-turned bikers will transition to the run 2k course.

All of the distances are doubled from the first race, but for those looking for a little more of a challenge the NMITF is also offering a sprint distance race. The swimmers will spend a little more time in the water during the 600m course and will double the Enticer distances by taking two loops on both the bike and run courses.

Aside from racers, the NMITF is also looking for a number of volunteers to help with many aspects of the race. According to race director Sue Knecht, the organization is currently in need of four volunteers for timing, another four for road safety, two timers, and people to help out with registration and to write the numbers on the racers.

Racers are free to choose their distance, but registration for the events starts at 7:15am and ends at 7:45, followed by a pre-race briefing a minute later. Volunteers need to arrive at 7:20am.

In 2004 the NMITF got the series started in November to get wannabe racers ready for the Tinian Turquoise Blue Triathlon, but this time around the people who like three sports better than one are on a mission to turn the most adamant couch potato from a tuber to terrific in time for the Rota Blue Triathlon on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The cost to participate in all of the Sprint/Enticer races is $5 for NMITF members and $10 for non-members. The cost of an annual membership is $25.

To pre-registration for the races, send your intentions to sueknecht1@yahoo.com.