| 09/23/2002 | Washington, DC - According to the Surgeon General, people 50+ represent the most sedentary segment of the adult population, and AARP wants this population to make regular physical activity a priority. As part of their campaign to promote physical fitness, AARP developed the Triumph Classic, a challenging but achievable mini triathlon targeting the 50+ population of all body types and fitness levels.
The CDC reports that in the United States, only 28.3 percent of adults 55+ are doing the recommended amount of activity, 62 percent are doing less than the recommended amounts of exercise and 33.7 percent of adults 55+ are physically inactive.
Science shows that regular physical activity will improve the heart, lungs and circulatory system, increase stamina, decrease stress and help prevent or delay some diseases.
"Approximately 80 million people will turn 50 over the next decade. For those who continue living sedentary lifestyles, their lack of physical
activity will lead to aging-related health problems, rising healthcare costs and, ultimately, increased insurance rates that will affect society as a
whole," said Margaret Hawkins, AARP's Campaign Manager, Health. "Inspiring people 50+ to make a personal choice to live a healthier lifestyle is
something that AARP feels it can and should do."
Last year, AARP piloted the first-ever triathlon series geared towards people 50+, drawing hundreds of beginning and seasoned triathletes in each of the six event cities.
The races, which are sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT), are challenging but achievable, even for first time triathletes. The short course triathlon includes a 400 meter (1/4 mile) swim, a 20K (12.4 mile) bike ride and a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk. AARP encourages people of all fitness levels - from couch potato to experienced triathlete - to participate. For those who may be a little intimidated about training for all three legs of the event, or who want to participate with friends or family, AARP welcomes relay teams of three people.
"Ninety percent of last year's participants said they would complete the event again. The Triumph Classic demonstrates to the 50+ population that it is possible to have fun while getting fit and healthy. We're thrilled to offer the events in 15 cities in 2002, allowing more people to become
physically active in a peer-supportive, non-intimidating atmosphere," Ms. Hawkins said.
To help participants of all fitness levels prepare for the event, AARP is providing eight-week training programs led by USAT certified coaches that
include both classroom and on-site practice sessions. AARP also provides a 12-week self-paced training manual to all registrants. The price for the training is included in the race entry fee of $30 per person or $15 per person on a three-person relay team. An additional $7 one-day fee will be required for non-USAT members.
"The Triumph Classic is unique for several reasons: it's the only national triathlon series for people 50+, and it's geared towards people of all
athletic abilities. We applaud AARP for providing the 50+ population the chance to be involved in a multi-sport event designed especially for them," said Bill Burke, President of Premier Events Management (PEM), the company that orchestrates the race logistics.
Last year, participants were thrilled to "triumph" with AARP, and some even completed multiple Triumph Classic events. Comments from participants included: "This was just the type of 'no-pressure' event to help me get back into shape," "I feel both a strong sense of relief and accomplishment after competing and completing this Triathlon!" "I'm ready to do another one, now that I know I can do it."
Triumph Classic events and training are planned for the following fifteen cities:
Henderson, NV, May 5 San Diego, CA, September 15
Pinehurst, NC, June 2 Metro Atlanta, GA, September 29
Nashville, TN, June 23 Irving, TX, October 6
San Dimas, CA, June 30 Richmond, VA, October 27
Naperville, IL, August 4 St. Petersburg, FL, Nov. 17
Rochester, NY, August 11 Phoenix, AZ, December 8
Madison, WI, August 25 Honolulu, HI, December 15
Salt Lake City, UT, September 7
A portion of the Triumph Classic proceeds will benefit the National Park Foundation, the nonprofit partner of America's National Parks. For more
information on the Triumph Classic or to register, go to www.aarp.org/triumph or call 1-800-424-3410.
The Triumph Classic program is just one of AARP's initiatives that addresses the unique lifestyle of the 50+ demographic. AARP's research shows that today's 50+ population has a different attitude than previous generations, and as a result, AARP is helping people 50+ get the most out of life.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; advocate on legislative,
consumer, and legal issues; assist members to serve their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These benefits include AARP Web place at www.aarp.org, Modern Maturity and My Generation magazines, and the monthly AARP Bulletin. Active in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP celebrates the attitude that age is just a number and life is what you make it.
USA Triathlon is the national governing body for the multi-sport disciplines of triathlon and duathlon in the United States. For more information on this and other stories related to USA Triathlon, please contact Communications Director B.J. Hoeptner Evans at 719-597-1013 or at BJ@USATriathlon.org. USA Triathlon's web site is www.usatriathlon.org.
Premier Event Management is a National Multi-Sport Production Company based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. Established in 1993, Premier Event Management has produced over 100 sporting events from road races to triathlons and duathlons. Specializing in national multi sport production, Premier Event Management presently produces the seven city Dannon Duathlon Championship Series, the Abitaman Triathlon Series, the New York City Triathlon, the 2002 ITU World Duathlon Championships and the 2002 AARP Triumph Classic Series.
The National Park Foundation, chartered by Congress, strengthens the enduring connection between the American people and their National Parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. NPF's web site is
www.nationalparks.org. For more information, please contact Jen Larson or Liz Klein at 202-234-2234.www.usatriathlon.org
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