Popular Sacramento area triathlon, Eppie’s Great Race, announces the recent overhaul of its website, a new logo and an expanded social media presence. The website (www.eppiesgreatrace.org) takes a one-stop-shopping approach with registration and race information all in one place. The integrated registration system featured on the new site is powered by the NGIN website platform that turns the process into a positive, efficient and secure online experience for all participants.  Multimedia and printable detailed maps educate participants about the racecourse and how best to prepare for competing in the run-bike-paddle triathlon. The website also highlights the unique specialized programs o

For John Weed, Eppie’s Great Race – now in its 38th year – serves as a new year’s celebration. The 58-year-old kayak instructor and whitewater guide has competed in the “no-swim” triathlon 35 times. The 38th annual Eppie’s Great Race takes place Saturday along the American River Parkway and is open to athletes of all ages. Weed said almost 40 years ago, he was hit by a semi truck while on his bicycle. Before that, he had been an avid runner. He came from a family of runners and in college would run 200 miles per week. “The doctors told me I’d never walk again, let alone run,” Weed said.  That same year, the Whitewater Slalom was introduced as an Olympic sport. Weed said he watched it

The "World's Oldest Triathlon" took place today for the 37th time. This annual event included a 5.82 mile run, a 12.5 mile bike race and 6.35 miles of kayaking (or paddling). Full results can be found on Eppies' Great Race website. The 100 degree weather did not seem to affect the times clocked by the top finishers. Ending up with the paddle part of the race, I'm certain, helped the athletes participating in the event. My purpose for coming to the race was, I must admit, for the music. For the past few years they've had some good bands play on a main stage and at another stage a few feet from the river. Usually a generator is running from somebody's truck and the band hooks up their equip

According to Eppie's Facebook page, 2,092 competitors in today's 37th race set a participation record. The race began at William Pond Park at 8am. It finished at River Bend Park. Here's some snapshots from today: Eppie Johnson, the founder of the race, talks to a participant. Stretch it out! John Bik, Team TFO. Traffic Director in lower right. Volunteers guide the kayaks away from the finish line after completion. The finish line! SacPress Photos | Kati Garner  

 Dominic Cooke was a normal college student athlete until a car crash his senior year paralyzed him. It doesn’t stop him however, from hand cycling in a triathlon. Cooke, 30, was injured when he was 22 years old. His athletic ability and passion for helping other hurt athletes is what made him start “Team TFO” this year for the 37th annual Eppie’s Great Race. TFO — which stands for Try for Others — is a nonprofit organization Cooke created in 2005 to aid injured athletes. “I played rugby before here in Sacramento at Jesuit High School and then at UC Berkeley,” Cooke said. “I was getting a lot of phone calls from injured rugby players. We help them with their immediate medical needs.”

Once considered a foolish notion only a generation ago, The Great Race, "the world's oldest triathlon," returns to Sacramento for its 36th campaign. Located along the American River Parkway, the annual event brings the history and allure of the original modern triathlon, now a staple in U.S. competitive summer sports. "My PR team thought it was a crazy stunt," said restaurant owner Eppie Johnson, referring to his pitch for a three-pronged race. "I was a kayaker, so I'd be in it. And I thought, 'Well, this is a quick way to both kayak and advertise the restaurant.' And the people had a great time, so it worked out well," he said. "Between the San Francisco and Sacramento communities, we h