The Annawan Canal Ambush Mini-Triathlon attracted both experienced triathletes and newbies alike, since the event offers a different tier of competition.
The event offers other races to suit more people: The mini-triathlon, a 5k, and a Kids Fun Run and Paddle. The mini-triathlon includes a 1.5-mile run, a 7-mile bike, and a less-than 2-mile paddle. The fun run is a quarter-mile run and a quarter-mile paddle.
Race Director Rachel Childs said about 100 people took part in the races Sunday, September 20, 2015. She said participants came from all over the Quad Cities area as well as from Chicago, Peoria, and parts of Iowa.
This mini-trathlon is also attractive to athletes because instead of the typical triathlon swimming portion, participants get to paddle down the Hennepin Canal.
"People like our course because the distances are short compared to any other race around," Childs said. "So the people who do this frequently love it because they can really put on some speed, and then we have a ton of people who have never done anything like it who try it every year and love it as well because it's short enough that they can make it work for them."
At the finish line, Childs said live music was playing and a local market was serving food at an after party for finishers.