The first triathlon ever held in the town of Wake Forest is scheduled for June 29, to benefit the Smile Train.

The Smile Train is a New York-based organization that helps repair cleft lips and palates in children in underdeveloped countries.

Rebecca Warriner, organizer of the BASF Smile Train Triathlon, says her heart goes out to the parents of these children, who can not afford to give their children the care to feed or kiss them normally, or see them smile.

"I've got two beautiful kids with two perfect smiles who have this great, healthy life," she said. "When I heard about the Smile Train, it was hard not to support them."

Warriner, a resident of the Heritage Wake Forest community, is training for her first Iron Man Triathlon, and wanted to share her enthusiasm for the sport with her town.

Developers of Heritage agreed to open up the neighborhood for the event, which is to be a sprint-distance triathlon. It includes a 250 yard pool swim, a 12 mile bike ride, and 5 kilometer run.

"Our community encompasses people of all ages, all lifestyles, all backgrounds," said Andy Ammons, Heritage's developer. "We have a lot of folks here that are very involved in the community and doing good things for other people."

"So, when Rebecca had a great reason for doing a good thing, it just seemed to fit in with what our people would support here."

Warriner hopes to see many of her neighbors cheering the racers on in June, but she also hopes many people in the community step up to the challenge of completing their first triathlon.

"It's going to be very beginner friendly, which is what I want," she said. "I want people out here to compete, but I think most people are going to be out here to complete the race."

She says local businesses have been very supportive of her efforts. The triathlon has gained enough sponsorship support that every penny of the $40 registration fees will be donated.

"I'm really trying to keep this event as pure as I can," said Warriner. "A hundred percent of your dollars that I'm raising go back to The Smile Train."

Related Links

1. For Registration Information And 8 Week Training Guide