Community Invited To ‘Tri’ Out Triathlon

In conjunction with the 100-year anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA, Troop 758 is in the throngs of planning an event bound to tickle the fitness fancies of exercise enthusiasts of all ages.

It’s their Tri It Get Fit Triathlon, set for April 21 at the . Participants are encouraged be on site by 7 a.m. for the 7:30 a.m. race kickoff.

Open to anyone aged 5 or older, the fourth annual USA Triathlon-sanctioned event will begin with a closed-course run followed by a bike ride around the .

It will conclude with a swim in the pool at the Rec Center.

There is a $45 registration fee per entrant, which covers the rental cost of the center and the hiring of police officers to help with traffic and crowd control. All athletes will receive T-shirts and youth participants are also entitled to goody bags and medals, regardless of whether they are winners.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to community charities, including , a nonprofit organization that benefits children with life-altering illnesses, and the Miracle for Megan Garrett Irrevocable Trust, a fund meant to help cover the medical expenses for a Temple Terrace child with a health issue that requires around-the-clock care. Since 2009, Troop 758 has donated $3,750 to the nonprofit group and $10,000 to the trust.

Troop leader Brenda Goltermann said her group of 12 Girl Scouts, most of whom she’s overseen for a decade, has gained valuable leadership experience and business skills through organizing and executing the race event, which last year drew more than 130 entrants.

A portion of those participants included special needs children that troop members solicited and mentored at prior to the race. Many plan to be in the race again this year.

“Our girls are the true meaning of ‘Girls Growing Strong’ in Girl Scouts,” Goltermann said. “They are very interested in serving their community.”

Co-leader Beth McCullough, who’s worked alongside Goltermann for nine years, said she is delighted with the troop’s accomplishments.

“I think the girls have picked some good causes, and it’s just been a phenomenal experience for them,” McCullough said.

She said she’s also amazed at the girls’ cohesiveness and camaraderie, despite the fact they represent seven different schools.

“They all like each other so much that they want to stay together, and that’s just so neat to see,” McCullough said.

Race director Jamie Klingman said the Temple Terrace troop “conceptualizes” the event’s exact purpose.

“It’s been an honor to work with such a great group of motivated girls,” she said. “They learn responsibility and leadership, and the community benefits by having a healthy family-friendly event.”

Visit www.triitgetfit.com to learn more about the event and to register.

There also will be a workshop at the Rec Center from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday (April 15) for those who wish to speak face to face with the triathlon organizers.

Call 813-363-6261 or 813-892-9280 for more information.