Lions Triathlon set for July 27

SHELL LAKE — The Shell Lake Lions Triathlon is set for Saturday, July 27, at 8 a.m. and the Lions Club is ready to go.

At the Shell Lake City Council meeting Monday, July 8, Lions Club member Gene Harrington asked the council for a street-use permit for the triathlon day. The triathlon begins with a one-third mile swim in Shell Lake, followed by a 15-mile bike ride around town and the lake and returning to Memorial Park for a 3.4-mile run along the bike/walk path and ATV trails out and back to the park.

There is also a duathlon, where participants run 2 miles instead of swimming, then do the 15-mile bike ride and 3.4-mile run.

Harrington said that as of July 7, 64 participants were signed up so far, and they estimated another 30 to 40 registering before the day, so they plan for 100 to 110 total.

“We’ve been very successful,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun for us to do.”

He added that the triathlon shows off both the city and the lake, and triathletes have commented on how Shell Lake has some of the cleanest water they’ve been in.

Harrington was asked if the Lions plan on offering a scholarship for younger adults to enter the race. He said they will pay the entry fee for those racers as long as their parents sign a waiver if they are under 18.

Council President Ken Schultz thanked Harrington for his work over the years on the project, and Harrington said he couldn’t do it without the other Lions or the many community volunteers. He added that WCCO will be coming to Shell Lake to film for a segment the week before and they may be able to capture footage of the triathlon setup, which could generate even more participation.

The council approved the street-use permit.

In other action Monday night, the council:

Heard an update from Mayor Rowie Hansberger on the successful Flying Scott memorial dedication in the park a couple of week ago, and also how successful the July 6 Art Festival was, with the Best of Show winner being a first-time artist at the fest.

Were told the council’s new shirts will be ready soon.Learned of WCCO’s visit on July 24-26, though Hansberger said they are still working on the agenda for that week.Moved the August City Council meeting from City Hall to the Beach House.Approved a temporary Class B retailer’s license for the Chamber of Commerce for Town & Country Days Aug. 30-Sept. 2 and also a street-use permit for the event.