Work up a Sweat for Charity at Drexel’s 5th Annual Indoor Triathlon 

For the fifth year in a row, Drexel is hosting its annual Indoor Triathlon, which offers a full triathlon or duathlon in the comfort (and warmth!) of the Drexel Recreation Center. And just as in previous years, proceeds from the event will go toward a philanthropic organization, with the 2017 event benefitting the Grow Clinic, a service for the urban child within St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.*

The event, which will be held on March 25, makes use of the Recreation Center’s stationary bikes, treadmills and six-lane, 25-yard swimming pool. Participants have the option of completing a triathlon (swim, cycle and run) or duathlon (run, cycle and run) at full- or half-distance options.

“There really is no other event like the Indoor Triathlon in the city,” said Andrew Case, manager of marketing and sales in Drexel University Athletics. “We are the only completely indoor triathlon.”

Another unique aspect of Drexel’s Indoor Triathlon? The full-distance option is just shy of the Triathlon Union and USA Triathlon Official Sprint Distance, so seasoned triathlon participants can practice and try for a new personal record during the event. It’s also a relatively simple (and cheaper!) way for beginners to try their hand at the competition. Either way, individual participants in this race distance can consider themselves among the most competitive athletes of the event.

“All fitness levels are welcome,” said Case. “We offer a wide range of distances that you and your friends can sign up for, so we cater to the beginner looking for a fun Saturday morning as well as the elite athlete preparing for an upcoming summertime triathlon. And this is a tremendously fun way to kick off the fitness event season.”

It’s also a great way to raise money for philanthropic purposes. In the past, Indoor Triathlons donated proceeds to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the A. J. Drexel Autism Institute. This year’s beneficiary, the Grow Clinic in St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, was chosen for reasons very close to the hearts of Drexel Recreation Center employees.

“St. Christopher’s is an amazing organization that we believe in and we at the Drexel Recreation Center are proud to contribute to the Grow Clinic,” said Case. “As athletes, we talk a lot about proper diet and activity for children, and it’s important to understand that wellness incorporates eating and the environment around eating. That implementation of the Grow Clinic program supports healthy eating initiatives and that helps develop a stronger child.”

Anyone 18 years or older can sign up for the event — no skill level or Drexel Recreation Center membership is required. The registration fee for the event, which is sponsored by the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, is $50 per person and covers a race day T-shirt, participation in the event and a post-race mini-massage, along with other giveaways.

For more information and to register, visit the Recreation Center website. For questions, contact Andrew Case, manager of marketing and sales at Drexel University Athletics, at anc68@drexel.edu.

*No donations are retained by St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. All funds are transferred to Drexel University. The donations through Drexel University, which is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization who supports the health and well-being of children in the community, will benefit the families of the Grow Clinic at the Center for the Urban Child.