Gwinnett Park Life | Gwinnett County Parks

IronKids Alpharetta Triathlon Less Than One Month Away

Posted by admin on August 24, 2010  |  No Comments

I know it’s not Gwinnett. But, there are alot of kids into this…

On Sunday, September 12, IronKids will hold the second annual IronKids Alpharetta Triathlon, drawing youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age. The event, taking place at Wills Park, will include five divisions: Ages 6-8, Ages 9-11, Ages 12-15, Military and Teams. The Military division will allow children of United States armed forces members to compete against each other within the three age groups.  The Teams Division allows a sports team, club or school that has youth triathletes to compete as a team in the event. A trophy will be awarded to the coach of the top finishing team.

Participants ages 12-15 will begin at 7 a.m. with a swim in an outdoor pool. Athletes will then bike on closed roads and run on paved walkways and grass throughout the park. Ages 9-11 and ages 6-8 will follow on the same course.

Distances for IronKids Alpharetta vary, depending on the age of the participants:

- Ages 6 to 8: 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run

- Ages 9 to 11: 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run

- Ages 12 to 15: 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

Next month’s event will see youth representing nearly 10 states, including more than 400 children from Georgia. One who will be competing in Alpharetta is Winter Vinecki, 11, of Salem, Ore., who founded “Team Winter” as a way to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, the disease that claimed her father’s life in 2009. Last year, her efforts garnered donations of more than $150,000 which went directly to prostate cancer research. Vinecki, who aims to encourage children to be active, serves as an IronKids ambassador and hopes to inspire other participants to support and race for a cause close to their heart.

The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with IronKids, is giving away 20 free entries to this year’s race along with IronKids T-shirts and hats. Register to win at www.awesomealpharetta.com or stop by the Downtown Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street.  Lucky winners will be drawn on September 1, 2010. Those who have already registered and paid the entry fee may still enter to win. If their name is drawn, the registration fee will be refunded by IronKids.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age group. The top five finishers in each age group will qualify for the IronKids National Championship, taking place on Oct. 3 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In addition to the race, the series offers an interactive weekend experience for the entire family. The IronKids Expo, registration and packet pick-up will take place at Wills Park on Saturday, September 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a course talk at 1 p.m. followed by a triathlon clinic, led by a USAT-certified coach, at 2 p.m. Registration and packet pick-up will re-open on race morning from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

“The IronKids mission is to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle,” said Michelle Payette, director of IronKids. “We are excited to return to Awesome Alpharetta, which had the largest field in the 2009 IronKids National Triathlon Series with nearly 900 participants! We anticipate an increase of approximately 300 kids, making the Alpharetta race one of our largest in the U.S.”

Visitors from out of town can make a weekend of it at one of Alpharetta’s 23 upscale and modern hotels and explore all that Alpharetta has to offer in the way of family-friendly fun and entertainment. “We are excited to host the IronKids Alpharetta Triathlon again this year,” says Janet Rodgers, President and CEO of the Alpharetta CVB. “This event has a positive economic impact on our city bringing young athletes and their families to stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores.  We look forward to working with the IronKids team this year and for many years to come.”

To register for IronKids Alpharetta, volunteer or learn more, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com.

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Alexander Park Disc Golf Team Challenge

Posted by admin on June 9, 2010  |  1 Comment

CORNERS TO CROSSING 10K, 5K, and Tot Trot, April 17

Posted by admin on March 30, 2010  |  No Comments

RuN,   WaLK,   or   JaM at  the WaTeR STaTioNS! at our community’s annual road race - CORNERS TO CROSSING 10K,5K, and Tot Trot, April 17

What’s new for the Corners to Crossing 2010 Event Day?

• Continue with the popular, flatter 10K qualifying race for the Peachtree Road Race.
• Expand the venue to include a very fast 5k qualifying race for the Peachtree Road Race.
• Continue to support children running  with the popular “Tot Trot”.
• A full day of music for your post-race pleasure.

Participants are invited to celebrate their run with free concerts in the afternoon and evening as we launch into Spring with a “Beach Music” theme.  You don’t want to miss this!

General Information

Note: Benefits Fowler YMCA, Norcross Cooperative Ministries, Pinckneyville PTSA , and Summerour Middle School Foundation. Corners to Crossing 10K, Inc. is a 501 c 3 charitable organization. All donations to the race are tax deductible. See your tax counselor for additional information.

Pinckneyville Middle School is one of the beneficiaries of race proceeds.

We will staff the water stations, have runners participating, help along the course, and cheer the racers along the way.  Last year the volunteers had a blast!  We had a band at the school and boom boxes at other water stations.  Lots of runners told us they loved the cheering, music, and high fives!  This is a FUN volunteer activity and a great way to show the spirit of Pinckneyville Middle School.

We need at least 5 adult captains for our stations and volunteer kids to help.  The race begins at 7:30, so you’ll finish before most Saturday sports begin.  High school students and scouts who would like to help with community service are welcome, too!  If you can support our school and community as a volunteer, please respond to Florence Luranc atfLuranc@bellsouth.net.     If you would like to participate as a runner, walker, or tot trotter, please go towww.CornersToCrossing.com.   This is a great community event you won’t want to miss!

Southern Designated Tennis Tournament at Hudlow Tennis Center and Other Parks

Posted by admin on February 26, 2010  |  No Comments

Experience an exciting weekend of high quality junior tennis Friday, Feb. 26 through Monday, March 1 at the Hudlow Tennis Center in Best Friend Park. Other locations for matches will be at Rhodes Jordan Park, Rock Springs Park, and Mountain Park in Gwinnett County.

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation will host over 260 young tennis athletes at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern Bullfrog Designated Tournament. The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the United States. This event features competition among the top Southern Section Boys and Girls in the 16 and 18 age divisions.

Matches for doubles begin Friday, Feb. 26 at Hudlow Tennis Center and Rhodes Jordan Park Tennis Center at 5:00 p.m. Singles competition begins on Feb. 27 at all locations. To find out more about this event, visit http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments. The tournament ID# is 703493711.

Hudlow Tennis Center is located at 2051 Old Rockbridge Road, Norcross. For more information on Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation, visit www.gwinnettparks.com.

2010 Atlanta Open (Table Tennis) at Lucky Shoals

Posted by admin on February 26, 2010  |  No Comments

Seven Gwinnett Athletes Win 17 Medals At Special Olympics Horse Show in Perry

Posted by admin on November 17, 2009  |  No Comments

For the sixth consecutive year, Parkwood Farms Therapy Center led the Gwinnett team of special equestrians to the Special Olympics of Georgia Horse Show in Perry, Ga. This year’s show, Nov. 13 – 15, was among the most successful for the Gwinnett team. Seven athletes riding three exceptional horses won 17 medals in the 28 classes entered. But most importantly, the athletes had a great time with their friends, families and the 20 generous volunteers who made the three-day trek.

The Gwinnett team participated in both riding and showmanship competitions. “We are so proud of our athletes,” said Parkwood Farms founder and CEO Dr. Marilyn Peterson. “They practiced hard on their patterns, but riding for the judges in the large arenas can test everyone’s nerves.”

The show requires an enormous amount of planning and effort. That work is done by volunteers, under the supervision of Dr. Peterson. Volunteers practice with athletes and, in most cases, walk within inches from the rider during competitions. Some of the athletes require three volunteers to be present during each ride. The volunteers also care for horses, drive trailers and provide logistical support. “We’re grateful for the Georgia Special Olympics organization- their fundraising and their volunteers, but we could not field a team from Gwinnett each year without our own homegrown volunteers, who work directly with our athletes and our horses,” said Dr. Peterson. “The parents of our special athletes appreciate how much these volunteers enrich the children’s lives both at Special Olympics and during their therapeutic riding sessions at Parkwood Farms.”

Parkwood Farms Therapy Center, Inc. is a multi-discipline therapy center located in Snellville, Ga. In addition to our signature equestrian-based therapies, Parkwood Farms offers non-traditional therapies, such as Chiropractic and Bio-medical nutritional counseling, mild Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, Far Infrared Sauna, and other services in a clinical setting with a spa-like atmosphere. More details are available at www.parkwoodfarms.org.

Click on the photo to enlarge

Running Events in and near Gwinnett

Posted by admin on November 9, 2009  |  No Comments

The Late Harvest Run: 5K Run/Walk October 17

Posted by admin on October 11, 2009  |  No Comments

2009 Dunwoody Late Harvest Run Sponsored by The Dunwoody Restaurant Group, Operation Boot Camp and Eagle Rock Distributor

What:
5K run/walk on a predetermined course through Dunwoody Begins and ends at the Dunwoody Farm House Party to follow at The Dunwoody Tavern that evening

Date:
Saturday, October 17

Time:
Registration begins at 8:00 AM at The Dunwoody Farmhouse. Registration closes at 8.45 AM
Run begins at 9:00 AM

Where to Register:
Registration begins…October 1
Pre-registration available

Cost:
$25 per runner that includes a t-shirt and dinner. Children under 10 are free

Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Dunwoody Farmhouse and Atlanta Humane Society

SECOND ANNUAL RIDE FOR RALLY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 17

Posted by admin on October 10, 2009  |  No Comments

The second annual Ride for Rally benefiting the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research will be held at Addictive Cycling/Cafeine Café at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

In honor of childhood cancer survivor Russell Tindol, the 50 mile ride was started last year by the Frazier Cycling members to show their cycling teammate Russell their support and help raise awareness for childhood cancer.  Russell has been in remission for one year and is back on his bike!

This year’s ride will offer a 10, 30 or 50 mile option and will be a social ride for all ages and levels.  You can register on line until Friday, October 16 or day of registration will begin at 7:00 a.m.  There will be a social BBQ after the ride that includes hot dogs & hamburgers for all riders.  There will also be live music provided by ACT 13 that will begin at 10:45 a.m.

Sponsored by Frazier Cycling, Addictive Cycling and Allgood Pest Solutions, entry fees for the ride are $30 on line or $35 day of the ride.

We hope you can come join Russell and his family and friends for a bike ride through Buford, Suwanee and Flowery Branch.  For more information about the ride, to register for the event or to make a general donation to the Ride for Rally fund please visit www.active.com/donate/rideforrally

About Rally Foundation:
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Atlanta, Ga. with the sole mission of raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research through volunteer grassroots initiatives. Rally Foundation currently supports 39 research projects across the country that aim to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancers. Visit www.rallyfoundation.org for more information.

Peachtree Corners Swim & Racquet Club Kids’ Triathlon

Posted by admin on July 14, 2009  |  No Comments

Swim portion of Triathlon

The Peachtree Corners Swim & Racquet Club Kids’ Triathlon takes place August 15th, 2009 at 8am. The Bicycle Wheel (celebrating it’s 5th aniversary) has been involved with the PCS&R Triathlon since its inception and is looking forward to another great event this year.  They will have their tent set up to air up tires and perform minor adjustments before the start.

This is an entry-level triathlon for kids ages 7-15.  Participants can enter as individuals or as a team of 2 or 3 children.

DISTANCE:  Children ages 7-10 will swim 100 yards (4 laps), bike 3 miles (2 neighborhood loops) and run 0.75 miles.

Children ages 11-15 will swim 200 yards (8 laps), bike 6 miles (4 neighborhood loops) and run 1.5 miles.

COURSE:  The race begins at the PCS&R pool.  The transition area will be in the club’s parking lot. The bike course is a 1.5 mile loop on Jones Bridge Circle and Fitzpatrick Way.  The run course goes along Jones Bridge Circle into the Simpsonwood Conference Center.  This is an out and back course.

VOLUNTEERS: The directors will need lots of volunteers to put on a fun and safe race!  All kids who race need at least one parent to volunteer with the race.  We encourage teenagers to volunteer as a great way to earn community service hours.  Please contact one of the race directors to find out more details – hope to see you there!

RACE DIRECTORS:
Jason Januzelli:  triathlon@januzelli.net,  678-261-8771
Shane Johnson:  shanej99@gmail.com,  770-417-1194

REGISTRATION:  To register, follow this link and print out the application.  The application also contains important information you need to know about the race.  Registration is closed after August 1st, so register soon to ensure a spot! Note: a nominal fee and registration is required in the USAT (USA Triathlon)

This is a great event and

Suwanee Day Classic 5K and 10K Races in September

Posted by admin on July 12, 2009  |  No Comments

Suwanee Day Classic 2008

Run, Suwanee, Run

Runners in the 9^th annual Suwanee Day Classic, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, have their choice of two routes. Participants may choose from a 5K route through historic Old Town or a 10K course along the Suwanee Creek Greenway.

Both races begin and end at Town Center Park, located at the intersection of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Buford Highway. The 10K begins at 8 a.m., with 5K runners taking off at 8:30 a.m.

The 2009 Suwanee Day Classic, which will be held the week before the annual Suwanee Day festival on September 19, is organized by BodyPlex Fitness Adventure with sponsorship support from Optimum Health and Suwanee Family Dentistry.

All runners who register by September 5 are guaranteed a race t-shirt; runners who register later will receive t-shirts while supplies last. The entry fee is $18 if received by September 5, and $20 thereafter. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at Town Center Park.

A downloadable registration form as well as a link to online registration is available at www.suwaneeday.com/race.html.

Awards will be given to approximately 70 individuals in various age groups as well as to runners ages 12 and under who complete the course.

On your mark…get set…run, Suwanee!