Country's First TRIFECTA Brings Together Three Sporting Events

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Tri-California, Inc. today announced the TRIFECTA, a new lifestyle-sports festival that is the first of its kind to bring together three running, three cycling, and three triathlon courses during a single weekend event. On June 2 – 5, 2011, Tri-California and the City of Santa Clarita will host these events with the support of Cycling Olympic Silver Medalist Mari Holden, Triathlon Olympic Bronze Medalist Susan Williams and United States National Cycling Champion Tony Cruz as patrons of the event.

"We launched the TRIFECTA with the goal of bringing a new and diverse category of sporting events to athletes," commented Terry Davis, owner of Tri-California, Inc. "A trifecta occurs when someone chooses the top three finishers in a race in the correct order.  We are expanding the definition of TRIFECTA to include bringing together the three worlds of active lifestyle sports in one spectacular event. TRIFECTA offers people of all ages and activity levels an opportunity to come together and celebrate leading a healthy and active lifestyle through running, cycling, and the sport of triathlon."

The weekend's events will include:

• Running Events: A 5K, 10K and half-marathon race.
• Cycling Events: A Piccolo Fondo (33 miles), a Medio Fondo (60 miles) and a Gran Fondo (110 miles).
• Triathlon Events: Sprint (500 yard swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run), an International Distance (1 mile swim, 30 mile bike, 6 mile run) and a Long Course (1.5 mile swim, 60 mile bike, 15 mile run).

The range of events is designed to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from kids to grandparents and beginner to pro. Participants can choose to enter one course or a combination of the running, cycling and triathlon events.

For the most hardcore multi-sport athletes, there is the TRIFECTA Triple Crown, where a participant competes in the Medio Fondo, 10k race and the International distance triathlon.

"It sounds like a big challenge," says Mari Holden, cycling Olympic Silver Medalist and UCI Road World Champion. "My goal is to have fun and be exhausted.  After years of competitive bicycle racing it is fun to participate in the TRIFECTA Triple Crown Event.  Competing in three different sports in one weekend is something I have never had the opportunity to do before. I am very excited."

A shorter version of the TRIFECTA Triple Crown includes the 5k running race, the Piccolo Fondo and the sprint triathlon.

"As the birthplace of the TRIFECTA event, the City of Santa Clarita is excited to be working with Tri-California Events to bring runners, cyclists and triathletes throughout the country a new kind of sporting event," says Ken Pulskamp, City Manager. "The economic impact and healthy lifestyle promotion will be huge for our community and a major focus area for our Mayor and City Council."

The four-day sports festival is based in the heart of Santa Clarita's Town Center around the brand new Westfield Mall and Patios. In addition to the main running races, Gran Fondos, and triathlons, activities at the TRIFECTA include a gala dinner, Town Center Criterium Bicycle Race, several family fun events, and a large sports expo with demonstration areas.

"Santa Clarita has an established active lifestyle, represented by the outstanding running trails, picturesque canyons for cycling and great swimming at Castaic Lake in the Santa Clarita Valley.  This mixed with over 35 miles of dedicated bicycling paths make it the ideal place for the TRIFECTA," adds Davis.

Registration for the events will open online on December 1, with limited entries for the Triathlon and Fondo Cycling Rides.  Groups can reserve blocks of entries by contacting [email protected].

For more information on the courses and entry fees, and to register, please visit www.trifectaworld.com.

About Tri-California

Tri-California, Inc. is an active lifestyle company, founded in 1994 by President Terry Davis.  Tri-California produces premier  events including The "One and Only" AVIA Wildflower Triathlon, one of the world's largest triathlons, The San Francisco Triathlon at Alcatraz, The Triathlon at Pacific Grove, Scott Tinley's Adventures, the San Francisco Triathlon at Treasure Island, Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon and Swim.  Tri-California also race-directs other major events including The Nike Women's Marathon. The mission of Tri-California is to promote healthy living in all respects, encouraging all ages to "Exercise with Purpose" by taking part in triathlons, running, swimming and cycling.

SOURCE Tri-California, Inc.