Try a New Triathlon and Help Beat Cancer
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. – Triathletes and others can experience a unique competition and help raise funds for cancer research at the Ozark Off-Road Challenge triathlon, Sunday, Aug. 28 at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. The USATriathlon-sanctioned, Nissan Xterra Points Series race will consist of an 1,000-yard swim in the Lake, and a 19-mile bicycle ride and 5.5-mile run over hilly, rugged trails. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Race Director Derek Freund, an alumni of Camdenton High School who now lives in St. Charles, Mo., organized the race as a tribute to his brother-in-law, Brendon Allen, who recently lost part of a leg to bone cancer. "Here was a guy who loved to ride a mountain bike and lift weights and took care of his body," Freund says. "It was hard to watch his health deteriorate, knowing the cancer caused all kinds of other problems that could kill him at anytime." Freund's sister, Peony Allen, adds, "We know what an awful disease cancer can be and wanted to do something to help others currently fighting it. My brother has very kindly put together this race for that purpose."

Freund expects up to 200 participants at the event. "Mid-Missouri doesn't have an off-road triathlon so I thought this would be something new and fun," says Freund, who's currently training for his third Ironman Triathlon. "Also we have the perfect venue at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park." The swimming component will be held at Camp Rising Sun Cove and bicycling and running will take place on the Trail of the Four Winds in the park. "We'll have to bike on-road three miles to get to the trail but the rest of the course, about 80 percent, is completely off-road," Freund says.

Registration fees are $50 per individual, $120 per team. Registration is available online only, at www.active.com. The last day to register is Aug. 26. An awards ceremony will be held at 12:00 noon on race day, followed by a post-race party and food tent. All athletes will have the opportunity to win $200, $150 or $75 cash for first, second and third place. Commemorative trophies will be awarded to the top three racers in each age group. All participants will receive a Zorel T-shirt. Race sponsors include XTERRA Gear and XTERRA Wetsuits, SolRX, Gatorade, Ozark Outdoors & Cyclery, Panera Bread, and Trek Bicycle Store of St. Louis.

"We've had an excellent response so far," Freund says. "But the best news is that Brendon has had two clean post-chemo scans in a row. He's riding his bike and learning to run again."

For more information on the Ozark Off-Road Challenge, check the event's website at www.ozarkoffroad.com. For additional details or to volunteer, contact Derek Freund at 573-268-9969 or via e-mail at ozarkoffroad@hotmail.com.

For details on other 2005 events, activities, dining and lodging at the Lake, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE or go online to www.funlake.com.