Leaning Tower Y To Hold Triathlon; Registration Closing

No, you don't get to run up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

But people who enter the Leaning Tower YMCA's "Tower Triathlon" on Sunday, May 15 can still enjoy the challenge of pitting themselves against the rigors of nine laps in the pool, an 18K  (11.2 mile) bike ride and a 3K run. 

Anyone from 15 to 80 can enter the triathlon, which is in its 26th year at the Niles institution, but registration closes Friday, May 6 at noon. New this year is the youth triathlon for  7- to 14-year-olds, which will take place Saturday, May 14. 

The funds raised from registrations go to help the Leaning Tower Y, a non-profit,  offer scholarships to families who can't afford its fees, says the Leaning Tower YMCA's Tiffany Minne, who is serving as race director in addition to her regular duties as health and wellness director. 

"I feel strongly about it because I see the kids who benefit. They develop lifelong skills," she said. "For example, participating in a program, they learn leadership, discipline, self-respect and teamwork."

Discipline will be a necessary virtue for the triathlon participants. They'll start with the swimming portion of the event in the YMCA's two pools.

Next, they'll tackle the bike portion, traveling a route through  a Niles industrial area up Melvina Avenue, then on Natchez Avenue and Gross Point Road. Police will block off the route, and cyclists will have to make five laps around the loop course.

Finally, triathletes will run a course 1.5 K out from the Y and then back, for a total of 3K.

The kids will catch a break, with 7- to 10-year-olds doing a 100-meter swim, a 4K bike race and a 1K run. Kids 11 to 14 will double those distances.

Since late registration fees now apply, it will cost an adult $85, and a youth $50, to register. The fee includes a t-shirt and goody bags from sponsors. 

And for those not familiar with the Leaning Tower YMCA, it's housed in a building that sits behind a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.