TIMBERMAN TRIATHLON(TM)
A BOOST TO LOCAL ATHLETES & ECONOMY

Something wonderful happened when Timberman(TM) began in 2001 local folks took to the road and the water, and became triathletes. Now you see them everywhere swimming in the lake, biking on the shoulders, and running along the roads. The Lakes Region has become a "triathlon town". That's what Timberman Race Director Keith Jordan had in mind - to give people a reason to get out and exercise. Even triathletes from surrounding states come to the Lakes Region regularly to train. This is one of the reasons why people who are NOT outdoors swimming, biking and running benefit from Timberman it's also healthy for the economy.

This year Timberman was named the number one "Must-Do Triathlon Adventure" by Triathlete Magazine, and was asked to join the inaugural Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship Series. In just a few years, Timberman has put the Lakes Region on the world map. This year the Timberman Triathlon Festival sold out months before the event with over 3,000 triathletes registered for the two-day festival at Ellacoya State Park. Most of these participants, from across the country and around the world, will inject outside money into the Lakes Region economy. Based on statistics compiled from post-race surveys last year, Timberman booked over 6,000 room nights at local hotels and motels, with most participants staying 3-4 nights. And while they were here, the athletes spent over $1.5 million at local businesses. Not a bad exchange for a couple mornings of minor traffic delays. "The athletes keep coming back for more because they love the beautiful surroundings, and the tremendous support of the volunteers and the community," says Jordan.

The 2006 Timberman Triathlon Festival will take place August 19-20th at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford. The festival includes a sprint triathlon and TimberKids youth triathlon on Saturday, and the Timberman 70.3 triathlon on Sunday. All are welcome to visit the "TimberVillage" at Gunstock Recreation Area, and cheer on the triathletes as they swim, bike, and run.

The Timberman Triathlon Festival, an EndorFUN Sports event, is presented by Aegis Bicycles, Final Kick Sports, and Laconia Athletic and Swim Club. Other sponsors include: Mavic, Clif Bar, Audi, Metrocast Cablevision, MC Cycle & Sport, Coors Light, Commonwealth Financial, Fuel Belt, Xterra Wetsuits, Zoot Sports, Adirondack Water, Carb-BOOM energy gels, Gatorade Endurance, New Balance, Melnick's Shoe and Athletic Center, Performance Training Systems, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Aquasphere, Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, Triathlon Bag, Lakes Region Volkswagon-Audi, Dunkin Donuts, Vital Kneads Institute of Massage Therapy, Northeast Institute of Whole Health, Pike Industries, Patrick's Pub and Eatery, Fay's Boat Yard, Rutter Media, Triathlete Magazine, The Citizen Newspaper, B. Mae’s Resort Inn and Suites, Tracings Graphics and Screen Printing, Jordan's Ice Creamery, Little Caesars Pizza, A & A Panino, New Hampshire International Speedway, and Lakes Region Riders, Oldies 105, Mix 94.1, WSCY, and the Planet Radio Stations.