FAIRMONT — Swimsuits are on. Bikes are off the bike racks. Shoes are tied. They’re ready to go. Youth and adult athletes from across southern and central Minnesota and northern Iowa will put their skills in swimming, cycling and running to the test at the sixth annual Marty’s Youth Triathlon and the 18th annual Fairmont Triathlon and 5K Bacon Fun Run/Walk 5K next weekend in Fairmont.

Amanda Forstrom has been on the Fairmont Triathlon committee for two years and assists with planning, along with seven other individuals. A Fairmont native, Forstrom prizes the Fairmont community, and additionally, as a physical therapist and athlete, holds the races close to her heart. Before joining the committee, Forstrom was a volunteer and a competitor herself.

“It’s nice to contribute to this good event here in Fairmont,” Forstrom said. “[Since] I’m a physical therapist, I appreciate events that promote good health.”

The weekend will be full of entertainment for spectators at Gomsrud Park, and excitement and intensity for competitors.

The adult races include a quarter-mile to-and-back swim at Budd or Hall Lake. Lifeguards will be present on kayaks for emergency assistance. In the 12-mile bike race, competitors will ride west out of Gomsrud Park onto Lair Road, north on County Road 39, west on County Road 22, south on County Road 37 and then return to Gomsrud Park. Finally, in the five-kilometer/3.1 mile sprint, competitors run east out of Gomsrud Park on Lair Road, turn south on a bike trail to Belle Vue Road, east to Prairie Avenue, north to Cardinal Street, through Johnson Street, west to Prairie Avenue, north to the Aquatic Park, and finally returning to Lair Road and the finish. The Olympic competitors will race the same route for a second lap before completion.

The Marty’s Youth Triathlon separates racers by age (from 5 to 15 years old) in distinguished classes. Forstrom stated that distance and length vary with age and the ability of the children. Ages 5 to 8 will compete in a 25-minute pool swim with flotation devices allowed, a mile bike ride and a quarter-mile run. Ages 9 to 11 will compete in a 25-minute pool swim with flotation devices allowed, a 1.8-mile bike and a half-mile run. Ages 12 to 15 will compete in a 50-minute pool swim, a 3.5-mile bike ride and a one-mile run.

“It’s really fun to watch,” Forstrom stated.

According to Fostrom, more than 200 people have registered including approximately 75 racers in Marty’s Youth Triathlon, 60 racers in the 5K Bacon Fun Run/Walk and 61 racers in the Fairmont Trathlon. Forstrom remarked that the events are very age diverse, with the youngest competitor 5 years old and the oldest in their 80s.

“It’s encouraging to see how many people signed up this year,” Formstrom remarked. “These are activities you can do for most of your life.”

Forstrom agreed that the event is very significant to Fairmont culture and builds a strong sense of community.

“It takes a lot of volunteers to help put on an event like this,” she said.

Marty’s Youth Triathlon kicks off at 5:15 p.m. on Friday, June 20, and the Fairmont Triathlon and 5K Bacon Fun Run/Walk 5K will begin at 8:30 and 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21. Food and refreshments will be served for the racers following the events. Participating athletes are encouraged to make sure their gear is organized, their bike is functioning and that they drink plenty of water.

Registration is required to compete. The deadline to be guaranteed a t-shirt has passed, but it’s not too late to join the races. Registration and more information for athletes, volunteers and spectators can be completed by visiting the official website at www.fairmonttriathlon.org, the Fairmont Area Community Calendar or visiting Gomsrud Park (5K/Fairmont Triathlon) or Fairmont Aquatic Park (Marty’s Youth Triathlon) for same-day registration.