And they’re off!: 16th annual Wildman Biathlon

Whether you’re going to participate or be a spectator, mark you calendar for the 16th annual Wildman Biathlon, one of the toughest multi-sport events in New England.

Scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 — rain or shine — more than 200 athletes from all over the United States and Canada will participate as individuals and teams,

The White Mountains course each summer challenges their endurance amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast.

The biathlon is a fund-raiser for the Coos County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP, which offers volunteer opportunities to people age 55 and older in their communities.

The Wildman Biathlon consists of a 10K run in the town of Shelburne, a 22.3-mile bicycle trek through Gorham toward a three-mile hill climb up the Polecat ski trail to the finish line at the summit of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch.

The race begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m., and the winners – believe it or not — usually cross the finish line about two hours and 15 minutes later.

Though many individual competitors complete the entire race, many others choose to combine their abilities as two-person and three-person teams.

Entry fees are $30 for an individual, $60 for a two-person team and $90 for a three-person team. The registration fee increases $10 after the July 30.

Entry fee includes a limited edition Wildman T-shirt, a ride down from the summit on the Wildcat Gondola, a support person Gondola ticket, and one meal ticket for the “après-race” meal. Additional meal tickets and Gondola tickets are available for purchase if needed.

For more information, visit ncia.net/wildman or call RSVP at 752-4103. — JF