Photo By Lance Cpl. Isabelo Tabanguil | Race participants reach the halfway point during the run portion of the Tradewind...... read more read more
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Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Hawaii hosted the Tradewind Triathlon aboard Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Aug. 27, 2017.
The Tradewind Triathlon is part of the “Commanding Officer Race Series”; 13 races hosted by MCCS every year for Service members and the public to participate in.
“Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay is our hosting unit for the Tradewind Triathlon,” said Beckie Page, the athletic director for MCCS. “The majority of the course is on the flight line, heading toward Pyramid Rock.”
Page said the Tradewind Triathlon is one of the few events hosted by MCCS that is open to the public to help build community relations.
“It is open to the general public as long as they’ve registered five days prior in advance,” Page said. “That way we can send in the paperwork to the pass house and they can go through the vetting process to get on base.”
Page said there were multiple events that make up the Tradewind Triathlon.
“There are three parts race participants have to go through during the triathlon,” Page said. “The course involves a 500 meter swim in Kaneohe Bay, a 13 mile bike ride and a 3 mile run.”
Page said MCAS provides a lot of support in preparing for the triathlon.
“It is very well organized and MCAS really helps out a lot as far as setting up the courses,” Page said. “Within two days, we’ve set up nine different courses because of the age groups and individuals that are participating.”
Rachelle Winkler, a health promotion coordinator with Semper Fit, said that even though the triathlon is not part of “101 Days of Summer”, Marines still have the opportunity to participate for their units.
“101 Days of Summer participants representing their units can still get points,” said Winkler. “This is the last sports event that they can participate in for points.”
Winkler said the triathlon also provides MCAS a great opportunity to get funding. Every time a race is held by MCCS during the “Commanding Officer Race Series” there is a hosting unit that helps set the course up, and receives 80 percent of the revenue made from the event.
“It’s a good way to support the unit that’s hosting it,” Winkler said. “It’s always MCAS that’s supporting the ‘Koa’Kai.’ The majority of the funds that comes from the registration go back to them so they can utilize it for whatever their needs are.”
Cpl. James Bethea, with aircraft rescue and firefighting, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, said he enjoys the chance to participate in community events.
“I came to find about this event through MCAS volunteer opportunities,” said Bethea. “It’s a great chance to raise money for the ball and to support the triathlon.”
Bethea said he appreciates the opportunity for social interaction with the public.
“I love doing it because I get to go out in the community, and get to know and meet different people,” Bethea said.
Winkler said the triathlon provides a challenging opportunity to those willing to participate.
“We have races almost every month,” Winkler said. “If you’re looking for something fun and challenging, the ‘Commanding Officer Race Series’ is definitely one to look at.”
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2017 15:13 |
| Story ID: | 246808 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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