The Fitness Coliseum in Owosso and the Friends of the Shiawassee River, in collaboration with the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce, have announced that the first-ever Shiawassee Triathlon (Shi~Tri), originally scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2020, will be postponed for the safety of potential triathletes, volunteers and spectators with the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 virus concerns.  The rescheduled date is set for Sunday, May 23, 2021. 

The mission of the Shi~Tri continues to be to promote community fitness and to support the Friends of the Shiawassee River.  Proceeds from this next year’s event will go toward improvements to help everyone care, share, and enjoy our treasured Shiawassee River.  Next year’s Run/Paddle/Bike route will remain the same as the 2020 route - beginning and ending in Downtown Owosso along the Shiawassee River. 

“Although we are very excited to present this brand new event to the community, we do not want to risk the health of anyone,” said Brianna Carroll, owner of the Fitness Coliseum and event organizer.  “Our planning team, consisting of a number of community leaders and Friends’ representatives, are looking forward to rolling things out next year with even more excitement!”

And, to encourage the over 90 triathletes who have already registered for the 2020 Shi~Tri to remain dedicated to the success of next year’s event, the Shi~Tri organizers will offer those who remain registered a number of incentives to do so, including:

• -        a free, one-year membership with the Friends of the Shiawassee River
• -        a guaranteed price lock on the registration fee (anyone who has already paid will not be charged more if the rates go up next year)
• -        a complimentary Friends’ kayak raffle ticket for the drawing to be held in September and “Life is Better on the River” Friends’ decal

“We have envisioned a river based experience like this for many years,” said Lorraine Austin, Executive Director of the Friends.  “Although we are disappointed to have to delay it, we want to encourage those who are already registered to remain loyal to the community spirit of the event – benefitting the registrants, the Friends, and the Shi~Tri initiative as a whole.”

Registration for the event (for both triathletes and volunteers) will continue at www.Shi-Tri.com.  Triathlete registration costs are $60 per individual and $90 per three-person relay team.  Anyone who registers by April 30, 2020 (and agrees to remain registered for next year’s event) will receive the incentive package listed above.

The following 2020 event sponsors have graciously offered to remain sponsors of the 2021 event:  Memorial Healthcare (Presenting Sponsor), Norm Henry Shoes (Run Sponsor), Great Lake Fusion (Paddle Sponsor), Byk-Rak (Ride Sponsor), Shiawassee County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Underwriting Sponsor), and Darker Mfg. Co. (Award Design Sponsor).  In addition, the following businesses will support the 2021 event as Shi-Tribe Sponsors:  Advanced Eye Care, American Recycling Center, Inc., American Speedy Print (Owosso), DayStarr Communications, Feighner Docks, Hankerd Sportswear, Merit Laboratories, Inc., Qdoba, REMAX of Owosso, RWI Mfg, and Weather Vane Roofing.

For more information, visit www.shi-tri.com or email ShiawasseeTri@gmail.com.

The Fitness Coliseum is a one-stop shop for fitness and wellness – focusing on providing fun, effective, and safe fitness classes to people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.  They pride themselves on creating a supportive environment that lifts people up and encourages them to be the best they can be.

The Friends of the Shiawassee River is a 501©3 nonprofit organization governed by a local board of directors and supported by a dedicated group of volunteers and generous donors.  The mission of the Friends is to help the community Care, Share, and Enjoy the Shiawassee River.  The Friends are committed to improving the river environment and promoting the responsible use of/enhancing the appreciation of the River throughout its watershed. 

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