The field is full for the sixth annual Splash, Mash and Dash Sprint Triathlon being held June 21 to benefit the Upper Valley Humane Society.

“The funds raised from the event promote a more humane community, bettering the lives of over 3,000 families and their pets each year,” said Jill Harris, president and CEO of UVHS. “UVHS greatly appreciates the efforts of Eastman Community Association, the organizers and participants to make the Splash, Mash, and Dash Triathlon so successful.”

As always, the triathlon begins and ends at the scenic South Cove Activity Center at Eastman in Grantham. A pre-race meeting will be held at 7:45 a.m., with the USA Triathlon (USAT) adult race starting at 8 a.m. The Kids’ Race (ages 15 and under) will follow at 10 a.m. Registration for all races begins at 6:30 a.m.

The adult race is designed for both individuals and teams of two or three. The course encompasses a 1/3-mile freshwater swim in Eastman Lake, a 12-mile bike ride through scenic Eastman and along NH Route 10, and a 5K run along the west shoreline of Eastman Lake.

The Splash, Mash and Dash is a sprint triathlon sanctioned by USAT and is also the second stage in the U-19 New England Junior Development Series. The USAT Junior Series is an individual-only event open to competitors ages 15 through 19 (as of Dec. 31, 2008). They follow the adult course.

The pre-registration entry fee for either level is $50 for an individual and $65 for a team; race day registration is $10 more. Each racers who is not a USAT member will be charged a $10 fee for a one-day membership to USAT. Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. if the 200-person field limit is not reached prior to the race.

Timing “chips” will be used again this year and will record five splits. Each participant will receive a neoprene strap (teams will use Velcro straps) to attach the chip to his or her ankle. The chips transmit data to a receiving antenna when the athlete crosses a timing mat. Relay members will transfer the timing chip to their teammate following the completion of their leg of the race.

The Kids’ Race also is structured for individuals or teams. The course includes a 200-yard fresh water swim in Eastman Lake, a 2-mile bike ride on Road ‘Round Lake and Wellfield Road, and a 1-mile run on Clearwater Drive. The entry fee for the Kids’ Race is $25/individual and $40/team. Racers who are not USAT members will be charged a $5 fee for a yearly membership to the USAT. All racers will be awarded a finisher’s medal.

A Post Race Bash at the South Cove Activity Center will give all participants a chance to relax and refuel with a free barbecue provided by Eastman Community Association. Awards will be given to the top finishers, male and female, in each age category, as well as the top finishers in each team category.

For information or to register, please visit the Splash, Mash & Dash website, or contact Eastman Recreation at (603) 863-6772. Checks should be made payable to Eastman Recreation and mailed to Eastman Recreation, P.O. Box 53, Grantham, NH 03753.

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