By Laurie Lenten

Spring will be in full swing when triathletes take to the water, woods and roads of Boulder Junction for the sixth annual White Deer Triathlon that is slated for Saturday, May 16, beginning at 9 a.m., starting at the Boulder Junction Community Center.

Whether you’re new to the world of triathlons or are a seasoned veteran, have never participated in the White Deer Triathlon or are a past participant, plan now to be a part of this fun and worthwhile weekend event sponsored by the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.

Weekend events will kick-off on Friday evening, May 15, with packet pick-up and registration going on from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Boulder Junction Community Center, 5392 Park Street (Hwy M).

An Evening Tavern Tour will also begin on Friday evening and continue through Sunday evening, with participating businesses throughout the town offering drink specials and live music. Get your White Deer Triathlon Tavern Tour punch card stamped at all of the participating businesses – no purchase necessary – for a chance to win a free individual entry into the 2021 White Deer Triathlon. Participating businesses include Aqualand Ale House, Boulder Beer Bar, George’s Pub,

Headwaters Restaurant and Tavern, McGann’s Pub and Wine Bar, and Wittig’s Point Resort and Tavern.

The sixth annual White Deer Triathlon will kick-off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Triathletes will compete for best overall times in the three legs of the event, which includes a 3K paddle route on Boulder Lake, a 22K paved bike route, and a 6K run route on both paved and unpaved roads/trails. The triathlon is open to individuals, two-person teams, and three-person relay teams. Anyone age 15 (as of May 16, 2020) to 70-plus is welcome to enter.

A cook-out lunch provided by the Boulder Junction Lions Club will begin at 11 a.m. at the finish line for participants and their families. Participants will receive one complimentary meal ticket and one complimentary drink ticket while family and friends may purchase food for a small fee. The Boulder Junction American Legion Post 451 will be on hand with their beer cart serving soda, beer, wine, and water. Music provided by DJ Ty will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the Award ceremony at 1:30 p.m., or following the last finisher, whichever comes first.

The post-race revelry will continue into the afternoon and evening with a Preakness Party at McGann’s Pub and Wine Bar, and the Evening Tavern Tour.

Cost for the event is $85 per person for individual or two-person team registration and $60 per person for three-person relay registration. Registration includes tech shirt, lunch, beverage, participation medal, top awards to the best three finishers in each division, and the Awards Celebration Party. Registration is limited to 350 participants.

All proceeds from the event will go to support the ongoing work of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on the sixth annual White Deer Triathlon or to register for the event, log onto www.boulderjct.org/white-deer-triathlon/.

Laurie Lenten is a freelance writer who lives in Rhinelander. Her articles also appear in Northwoods Commerce, Northwoods ‘boomers and Beyond and Living on the Lake magazines.