| Over the Mountain Triathlon |
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KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC –The City of Kings Mountain will host the annual Over the Mountain Triathlon on Saturday, May 19. Part of the North Carolina Triathlon Series (NCTS) and sanctioned by the USA Triathlon, this Olympic length race will be the same length as the triathlon in this summer’s Olympic Games in London, England.
In its twelfth year, the race will follow a familiar route, a 1 mile swim across Moss Lake, a 30 mile bike ride through four counties, three area parks and two states and finish with the recently redesigned 10K run through the streets of Kings Mountain. The race has received many accolades including being voted best bike portion in the 16 race series by the triathletes and the best triathlon overall in the Charlotte Metro area.
“It amazes me with all the changes that have happened over the last 12 years of producing this race,” said Ellis Noell, City Event Director. “Twelve years ago, not many of our citizens even knew what a triathlon was about. Now we have teams originating right here in Kings Mountain and others throughout the Cleveland County and still drawing competitors from around the U.S.” added Noell. Spectators will gather at the swim start, swim finish, the halfway point water station at the Superintendent’s office at Kings Mountain National Military Park and the finish line at Patriots Park, downtown Kings Mountain.
The race typically draws about 500 triathletes every year. “It’s great for our local economy. These triathletes will visit Kings Mountain with their families and supporters on Friday and stay through Saturday, staying at our local hotels, eating at our restaurants and shopping at our retail stores. It’s a huge economic impact when you realize this sporting event has drawn in over 18,000 visitors in the last 12 years,” said Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey. The presenting sponsors this year are the Kings Mountain Hospital and the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority. Additional sponsors include Ingles and Bellus Tu Spa. The triathlete’s dinner on Friday night will be sponsored by Cherokee Street Tavern.
“Safety is paramount with this race and we are pleased to have the cooperation of over twelve law enforcement agencies and first responders to keep this race safe,” Noell said. Over 100 volunteers will help produce the race. Additional information is available at www.cityofkm.com and www.setupevents.com and volunteers are encouraged to contact Kings Mountain City Hall.
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