Utah State’s Sigma Phi Epsilon to hold triathlon to benefit local organization

By Justin Anderson

On Saturday, April 26, the Utah State University chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon will host the annual Balanced Man Triathlon to  highlight the “sound body” portion of the fraternity’s balanced man developmental program.

The race, which has been held for five consecutive years, has always donated proceeds to a charity or other philanthropic cause. For the past two years the proceeds have gone toward the Best Buddies program.

Best Buddies was founded to establish a movement that creates opportunities for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to develop friendships, learn leadership skills and gain access to jobs.

“Two years ago Best Buddies’ sponsor dropped them, and they lost all their funding,” said Ryan Johnson, the logistical coordinator of the race.

After Best Buddies lost their sponsor, the fraternity decided to sponsor the group and now provides all of the funding the group requires to function.

“This triathlon is where we raise all of that money,” Johnson said. “If we don’t receive it, these individuals are not going to be able to run this organization.”

The race will consist of a 500-yard swim, followed by a 9-mile bike ride and lastly a 5K run. Beginning at 8 a.m. in the foyer of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building on the university's campus, participants will assemble to register and check in before beginning the swim.

“A lot of people get intimidated and tell us they can’t swim or they can’t run” said Spencer Bailey, the director of the race. “The best part is that you can do teams, team up with a friend and have them cover one of the legs. All the same it is really doable and they may surprise themselves at what they are capable of.”

Bailey, who is serving as the race director for the second time, said that the turnout is fairly diverse.

“We get everything from beginners to seasoned triathletes,” he said. “It’s a riot.”

“Every year we have a lot of people who come out and it’s their first triathlon,” said Jake Butterfield, who is in charge of the website for the race. “It’s a great atmosphere. There are a lot of people cheering you on. We’re really prepared, and there are people all over the place with water encouraging you and pushing you on. I really think it’s a fantastic event.”

Each participant will receive a t-shirt and a swim cap along with other prizes for winners and each participant.

Registration is open online and costs $30 for students, $40 for non-students, $50 for a two-person team and $80 for a team of three.