Clint Phares makes his way into the transition area before winning the 2013 Wawasee Kiwanis Triathlon. (File photo by Mike Deak)

SYRACUSE – The Wawasee Kiwanis will host its seventh annual Wawasee Triathlon August 9 at Lakeside Park in Syracuse.

The Kiwanis are taking registrations for up to 300 participants for the triathlon and also a duathlon. Anyone interested in participating in the events is required to be at least 15 years of age, whether running solo or with a team.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the charitable activities of the Kiwanis Club in the greater Syracuse area.

The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon and has divisions based on age and gender, plus team categories. Levels of entry fees are being used for participation, based on USAT and non-USAT membership as well as if registration is done before Aug. 1.

The triathlon itself will consist of a swim out and back from Lakeside Park bean in Syracuse Lake; a 13.25-mile bike ride from the staging area at the Syracuse Community Center to Milford and back; and finally a 3.3-mile run north and around Maxwelton Golf Club and back to the park.

Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, plus winners in each age category.

Local merchants and sponsors are donating prizes throughout the event.

The event is free for spectators to watch along roadsides at any point of the course.

The 2013 triathlon winners were Clint Phares, Albion, 1:06:21 and Maureen Kelly, Osceola, 1:17:11. The duathlon winner was Ron Wilkinson, Rochester, 1:32.32.

For more information or to register, visit www.wawaseekiwanis.org, or contact race chairperson Tami Vandal at [email protected].