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Avon hosts Dunk-N-Dash

Daily Staff Report

The Town of Avon presents the Dunk-N-Dash, a new biathlon series – and the first organized open water swim race in Eagle County. The first race kicked off the series on Aug. 10. Thirty-three swimmers jumped into t Lake Nottingham to be the inaugural athletes for the Dunk-N-Dash. The second event will take place in Harry A. Nottingham Park on Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. Swimmers will take their mark, for the 800- or 1600-yard open water swim in Nottingham Lake followed by a 5K run around the park.This series was developed in anticipation of the Avon to Vail TriAmerica Triathlon to be held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4. Athletes throughout the Colorado Mountains have been searching for a place to prepare for open water races. Now there is a location to do so. In 2006, the Town of Avon plans on expanding the Dunk N Dash series to accommodate this growing need and enthusiasm. The series is intended to provide a fun practice arena for established Colorado races.”The positive responses we have received for this first race have been pouring in. The swimmers loved the course. It was awesome to see the swim pack start with the mountains as the backdrop. It’s a picture we’ve never had in Avon before,” says Fraidy Aber, who directs special events for the town. Swimmers in the Dunk N Dash can opt to make one or two 800-yard loops around the lake. The water temperature for the next race is expected to be 65-70 degrees. Wetsuits are required. The 5K run starts and finishes at the lake’s pumphouse. The route runs north around Nottingham Lake, follows the path to Avon Elementary, and turns onto the scenic river recreation path. At “Bob” the bridge, runners turn around and return on the same path, detouring to the south side of the Lake for the finish line.Pre-registration is open until the day before race day ($13). Registration is taken at the Avon Recreation Center. Race-day registration will open at 4 p.m. at the tent by lake ($15). Online registration is available at Active.com. The Avon to Vail TriAmerica Triathlon is Sept. 3-4. Sept. 3, two youth divisions, will swim in the Avon Recreation Center Pool and bike and run on a course around Harry A. Nottingham Park. The adult race, on Sept. 4, includes both sprint and international distances. The swim will take place in Nottingham Lake, the bike course will be a point-to-point route finishing in Ford Park, and the run will be in Vail Village area. Registration is available online at http://www.TriAmerica.com.Vail, Colorado


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