Those who pre-register online by next Friday, Sept. 1 for the 15th Annual Step Outdoors TRYathlon and 5K Trail Run/Walk will be guaranteed a free event T-shirt in the size they order.Visit www.stepoutdoors.org to pre-register online.

The TRYathlon and 5K Trail Run/Walk will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Hills Creek State Park, 111 Spillway Road, seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township via Charleston Street and Hills Creek Lake Road.

There are no competitive categories in the triathlon or 5K. Every finisher will receive a medallion.

The deadline to register online is at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Organizers are encouraging participants to register in advance online even though there is registration on the day of the event, Sept. 16.

The triathlon starts with the 5K on park roads and trails around the perimeter of Hills Creek Lake. All runners and walkers, whether they are participating in the 5K only or the triathlon, will start at the same time and location and follow the same course. 

The next leg of the triathlon is paddling on the lake with competitors either kayaking or canoeing a 1.75-mile course identified with temporary markers.

The triathlon ends with bikers traveling 8 miles on a course of dirt and hardtop roads in and around the park.

Individuals who register online for the 5K Trail Run/Walk will pay a $25 entry fee; to do the three legs of the triathlon solo, a $30 entry fee; and a $65 entry fee to do the triathlon as a two- or three-person team. There is also a processing fee. 

More information and past results are posted at www.stepoutdoors.org.

To find out where to rent bikes, kayaks or canoes, contact Tim Morey by calling 570-724-8561 or emailing tmorey@pa.gov.