Triathletes Set Their Sights on UK Eye Research
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 16, 2011) − Dedicated triathletes representing all skill levels will gather for the thrill of competition and to bring awareness to eye disease at the Ninth Annual Susan Bradley-Cox Triathlon for Sight benefiting the Eye Research Fund at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
The Tri for Sight, sponsored by Swim Bike Run of Kentucky, will begin at 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4, at UK’s Lancaster Aquatic Center and Commonwealth Stadium parking lot. More than 450 triathletes are expected to participate in this year's event which combines an 800 meter swim followed by an 18.5 mile bike ride and concludes with a four mile run.
A duathlon (run/bike/run) option is also available. The bike course will follow Cooper Drive through Lansdowne Merrick and Gainesway subdivisions out to Delong Road horse country via Armstrong Mill Road. The run will pass through the UK Arboretum.
This race is the third and final leg of the Naked Pizza Central Kentucky Triathlon Race Series which gives athletes an opportunity to be awarded for their combined performances in the Markey Race for Women’s Cancer on June 26, the Lame Duck Try-athalon on July 30, and the Tri For Sight.
The inaugural Tri for Sight was held in 2003. In 2007, the directors established the race as the Susan Bradley-Cox Tri for Sight in honor of Lexington’s own world champion triathlete. At age 75, Susan continues to coach and inspire local triathletes of all kinds. This year she has been mentor to 12 Team-In-Training first-time triathletes participating on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, while continuing to coach the UK Masters Swim Team and compete on an international level.
UK’s Delta Gamma Sorority, dedicated to fighting eye disease on a national level, provides critical support to the event. Sorority members line the race course to give athletes safe guidance and enthusiastic cheers as they endure the miles. Over the years, this event has also forged lasting relationships with the Lexington Lions Club, the faculty and staff at the UK Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the Wildcat Masters Swim Team, the Bluegrass Triathlon Club, and multiple local sponsors.
Dr. Sheila P. Sanders, associate professor and director of Glaucoma Service in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the UK College of Medicine and co-founder of the event, saw the need to support vital eye disease research in progress at the UK. "This work has provided major advancements in the treatment of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and ocular inflammation," she said. "Understanding blood vessel changes in the eye has also led to better understanding and treatment of cancers and other diseases."
Race proceeds will also be used to support ongoing and initiate new eye research projects at UK. Many athletes choose to race in honor or in memory of someone with a visual impairment.
Beth Atnip has been directing Tri For Sight since its inception. This position, her first experience as a race director, has led to many others. She also now serves as Race Director of Ironman Louisville, and is active in the administration of USA Triathlon.
Entries will be accepted through Saturday morning the day of the race, and race course volunteers are always welcome. For more information, contact Atnip at (859) 475-3313, Dr. Sheila Sanders at (859) 323-5875 or (859) 227-5884, or visit www.triforsight.com
.Media Contact: Ann Blackford, (859) 323-6442 or ann.blackford@uky.edu