This triathlon, sanctioned by USA Triathlon, coincides with Wilmington's beautiful Azalea Festival in the spring of each year. The event consists of a 300-yard pool swim, a 10-mile bike race and a 5K run. Except for some of the bike leg, the entire triathlon takes place on the UNCW campus the weekend before the festival. Contestants are divided into the nationally standard age and gender brackets. Registration for the event begins January 2.

If you want a different challenge, try this 23-mile adventure. A two-person team event, men, women and co-ed, the course consists of canoeing 3 miles on Greenfield Lake, Mountain Biking (on/off road) for 12 miles, and trail running for 4 miles, capped off with 4 miles of "mystery events." In keeping with the adventure spirit, the race is run rain or shine in October. For other events, call the Adventure Pathways office at (910) 341-0836.

Here's an event tailored for overachievers. After you get through the 375-meter ocean swim, the 1.5-mile run and the 20K bike leg, guess what? You get to do the entire thing all over again — in reverse — bike, run and swim. The overall distance is less than half that of an Olympic triathlon, but considering that this USA Triathlon–sanctioned race is in the heat of late June, the challenge is formidable. Contestants are divided into the nationally standard age and gender brackets.

This sprint triathlon for novice and serious competitive tri-athletes is held every spring as part of the North Carolina Triathlon Series, managed by Set-up Inc. The 15th Annual Surf & Turf Triathlon race format begins with a 750 meter swim, followed by one lap on a bike (4 miles), a two-mile run, another lap on the bike course and finish with a one- mile run. Participants will only swim one time at the start of the race. The triathlon is sanctioned by the U.S. Triathlon Association. Advance registration for USTA members, non-members and relay teams can be made via Set-up Inc. and costs less than on-site registration. On-site registration (space in triathlon is limited to 400 athletes) and packet pick up are at the Surf City Fire Department, next to the Transition Area in the parking lot of the Surf City Baptist Church.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced triathlete, you can train for your next triathlon at Wilmington Athletic Club. They offer running clinics, stride analysis and group runs to assist in running training. Regular swims, stroke analysis and underwater photography of your style will help in swim training, while indoor studio training and outdoor group rides focus on cycling. In addition, your training regime includes transition clinics to pull the whole thing together, as well as nutrition counseling. Train for one triathlon or for the whole season. It's a great way to stay fit and satisfy the competitor in you.

More than 120 members strong, the YMCA Triathlon Club offers a broad range of practice times and informative workshops. Their qualified coaching staff works with both adults and children in all phases of triathlon competition. Come just for fun or to train for the race. Either way, you'll have a great time.

The YMCA Kids Triathlon Club, for ages 5 through 13, kicks off in March for the 1st Kids Tri Club with the Kids Triathlon to be held May 16. The 2nd Kids Tri Club kicks off in June with the Kids Triathlon held in August. Mileage is adjusted for different age groups, and practice runs prepare youngsters for the competition. In addition, kids learn about bike safety, transitioning, swimming techniques and nutrition. Call the YMCA at extension 224 for details.