News
"What makes us laugh about all this is that there is hardly anyone competing in our age categories, so we are usually getting first, second or third places"
CHANHASSEN, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a race long recognized for participation by the world’s top professional triathletes, the Minneapolis-based 2009 Life Time Fitness (NYSE: LTM) Triathlon, set for Saturday, July 11, once again will play host to nearly 3,000 athletes. The Triathlon includes a diverse array of participants, including categories for professionals, elite amateurs, team relays and short course age groups. Participant ages range from Luke Gruhlke, age 15, from Monticello, to Bob Powers, age 85, from White Bear Lake. Other participants are among many remarkable stories of inspiration, dedication and efforts to overcome obstacles.
Each year, approximately 2,000 heart transplants are performed in the United States. Kaelah Lesnau and family experienced this miracle when her father, Terry Gould, received a heart transplant from Chase Coleman, who passed away following a car accident six years ago. Since that time, the families have remained close and regularly give speeches to share their wonderful story and generate awareness to their cause.
In recognition of Chase, the three Coleman brothers created a triathlon team-Tri for Life. Their goal is to complete one triathlon in each state, signing up new organ and tissue donators at each event. Kaelah, her older sister, Rebecca, and her brother, Brian, will be participating in the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon alongside the Coleman brothers. Additionally, the families will host a tent where they will educate others about organ and tissue donation and provide a place where people can sign up to be donors.
Sharri (age 63) and John (age 62) Warder stand as inspiration to all after continuing to pursue active lifestyles. Since 2006, they have competed in 10 triathlons together. “What makes us laugh about all this is that there is hardly anyone competing in our age categories, so we are usually getting first, second or third places,” said John. In May 2008, Sharri suffered a crushed shoulder injury as a result of falling off her tri bike. After visiting an orthopedic surgeon, she recovered and resumed with her dedicated triathlon training. So far, the couple has completed three triathlons this year, including a Life Time Fitness Indoor Triathlon. Look out for the Warder couple at this year’s triathlon.
Luke Gruhlke began his triathlon career at the age of 14. Since his first triathlon in Buffalo, Luke has continued to expand his training and add races to his growing resume of athletic events. Luke takes part in various 5Ks to aide in his training. Now 15, Luke is training three to four hours a day to gear up for his participation in the Life Time Fitness Triathlon as one of this year’s youngest participants.
The Life Time Fitness Triathlon also draws athletes who participate to recognize obstacles they’ve overcome in life. Kent Bishop, Lenore Healey Schultz and Karin Beckstrand serve as tremendous examples of this style of human spirit. “Quitters can be winners,” said Kent Bishop, a participant in this year’s triathlon. This is Bishop’s first triathlon after smoking for 20 years. To Bishop, this event has provided focus for transforming his life. “Signing up for the triathlon created a way for me to prove that a “quitter” could win,” said Bishop. “I am not only proving this to myself, but also, I believe it will prove by example to my nine and 12-year-old children something about determination.” With a history of collegiate cross country running and bike racing experience, Bishop is prepared and excited for July 11.
Lenore Healey Schultz last competed in a triathlon in Waconia in 1999. Since then, a lot has changed; Lenore was clinically diagnosed with the neuromuscular degenerative disease called Ataxia in 1992. Lack of coordination and balance are a couple of the major symptoms of this disease. Schultz no longer has full control of movements due the loss of functioning of the cerebellum. Despite these many challenges, Schultz is determined to complete the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon. With training partner, Jan Guenther, at her side, Schultz will take part in the three events using a kickboard for portions of the swim, and a trike for the run. The transition to swimming, biking and wheeling has created a new, challenging experience for Schultz. Schultz is excited to apply her challenges to the racing environment.
To Karin Beckstrand, the Life Time Triathlon symbolizes more than just a race; it epitomizes the strength and courage that she possesses after battling breast cancer. “The Life Time Fitness Triathlon offers another chance to push myself and see what I can do, and hopefully, to inspire others,” said Karin. “Now I do events such as the Life Time Tri because it is my time, it is something I can control after having so much taken out of my control. I want to pass this message on to others-that being diagnosed with something doesn't mean you lose control or part of your life, in fact you can take even more in and treat each day as truly being special.” Karin hopes that her smile and energy will spread to others to create a truly enjoyable experience at the event.
The 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon will take place on Saturday, July 11 at Lake Nokomis in downtown Minneapolis. The event will play host to nearly 3,000 participants, including more than 35 of the world’s top professional triathletes, who will compete for a share of the event’s $92,000 prize purse.
For more information on the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon or 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Race to the Toyota Cup, or to register for the events, please visit www.ltftriathlon.com
2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Sponsors
Life Time Fitness is proud to recognize the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon sponsors:
| -- Hormel Natural Choice Products | -- Budget Rent A Car | ||
| -- Toyota | -- Faegre & Benson LLP | ||
| -- Edge Infused | -- RE/MAX | ||
| -- TYR Sport | -- Gear West Bike and Triathlon | ||
| -- Triathlete Magazine | -- Mt. Borah | ||
| -- Active.com | -- MBT The Anti-Shoe | ||
| -- MGD 64 | -- Globe University/Minnesota School of Business | ||
| -- Dr. Pepper Snapple Group | -- University of Phoenix | ||
| -- All-Sport | -- Clif Bar | ||
| -- Colgate Palmolive Company | -- Cub Foods | ||
| -- Twin Cities Orthopedic | -- Erin Baker’s Baked Goods | ||
| -- Avis Rent A Car |
About the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series
The Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series was launched in 2006 and created the first-ever connection among four of the most prominent international distance triathlon events in the United States. The Life Time Fitness Triathlon (ltftriathlon.com), held in Minneapolis, is produced by Life Time Fitness, Inc. The Chicago Triathlon (chicagotriathlon.com) is produced by Creative & Production Resources, Inc (CAPRI Events). The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon (LATriathlon.com) is produced by Pacific Sports LLC. The Nautica New York City Triathlon (nyctri.com) is produced by Korff Enterprises. In 2007, the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series was expanded to include a Championship event, the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon Dallas. In 2008, the Series announced the Race to the Toyota Cup to award the top female and male triathletes in each of three separate divisions: Professional, Elite Amateur and Age Group at the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas. In total, the 2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series offers $390,000 in cash prizes for the Professional Division.
2009 Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series Event Timeline
- Life Time Fitness Triathlon (Minneapolis) – July 11
- Nautica New York City Triathlon – July 26
- Chicago Triathlon – August 30
- Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon – October 4
- Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon (Dallas) Championship Event – October 11
About Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort and spa centers. The Company also provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine, Experience Life, athletic events and nutritional products. As of July 7, 2009, Life Time Fitness operated 84 centers in 19 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, and can be located on the Web at lifetimefitness.com. LIFE TIME FITNESS, LIFE TIME ATHLETIC, EXPERIENCE LIFE, and the LIFE TIME FITNESS TRIATHLON SERIES are trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.