39th annual Eppie’s Great Race on tap

SACRAMENTO — Well-known Sacramento restaurateur Eppie Johnson celebrates his 39th annual namesake charity triathlon, Eppie’s Great Race, on Saturday.

Eppie’s Great Race began as a unique way for Johnson to promote his chain of restaurants in 1974, but quickly established itself as the undisputed “World’s Oldest Triathlon” as well as a fun, family friendly event showcasing the beautiful American River Parkway. The run-bike-paddle triathlon is now a highly anticipated summertime tradition for elite athletes, fitness enthusiasts and families.

“Part of what makes Eppie’s Great Race so successful is the fact that there are opportunities for just about anyone to participate,” Johnson said. “Teams and individuals of all ages can compete in a variety of divisions from junior to corporate to collegiate. We even have the US Bank Kids Duathlon for the youngest competitors.”

Eppie’s Great Race participants run 5.82 miles, cycle 12.5 miles and paddle boats 6.35 miles on a racecourse located on and alongside the American River. Kids aged 17 and younger are invited to take part in the US Bank Kids Duathlon that consists of a 2-mile run and a 5.75-mile bike ride.

Two locals helped set the pace this year as part of the Eppies Great Race Team. Nicole Young (Shingle Springs) served as the paddler (42.46) along with runner John Mansoor (El Dorado Hills) and cyclist Tim Michiewicz whose combined times for the course was 2:01.38. The Great Race Ironwomen’s time to beat is 2:38.49 while the Ironman’s top time is 2:26.49.

The start time is 8 a.m., as the race begins at the William Pond Recreation Area and will finish at River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova, formerly known as Goethe Park. The run-to-bike transition is the east end of the Guy West Bridge off University Avenue across from California State University, Sacramento. The bike-to-boat transition is located at Lower Sunrise Parking Lot and Footbridge. The US Bank Kids Duathlon begins at 10 a.m. near the Guy West Bridge at Sacramento State. The post-race party will be held at River Bend Park.

For more about Eppie’s Great Race or the US Bank Kids Duathlon, visit eppiesgreatrace.org, or go to facebook.com/eppies.great.race or call 916-480-0270.