On Sunday, September 15th, CAPT Bob Clark of SPAWAR's PMW-155 along with INDUS employees Colin Campbell and Kathy Sridhar competed in a mini-triathlon entitled the Triumph Classic 2002 at Balboa Park. Sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Triumph Classic was part of the festivities in the AARP's annual signature event for it's nation-wide membership.
The SPAWAR 155/INDUS team placed 3rd in the Mixed Co-Ed Relays with a final time of 1 hour 45 minutes and 18 seconds. The three-part event consisted of a 400-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. CAPT Clark took on the running leg of the event, Colin Campbell the biking segment, and Kathy Sridhar the swimming portion of the mini-triathlon. Each competitor wore an electronic timing-chip anklet during his event that was transferred to the next person much like a track relay baton. The top three teams in each category were awarded medals and plaques by the AARP to commemorate the day.

This year's AARP signature event, Life @ 50+: A Celebration of You, was held at the San Diego Convention Center from September 12-14. It featured seminars, exhibits, and product demonstrations geared towards retirees over 50 and their friends and family members. Topics covered included politics, community involvement, personal finances, travel, and health. AARP Triumph Classic multi-sport events are conducted all around the U.S. on a yearly basis with a portion of the entry registration proceeds being donated to the U.S. National Park Foundation. The competitions are primarily designed as short distance triathlons with an emphasis on Fun & Fitness for the "mature" athlete. Although the event is geared to the 50+ set, many younger athletes participate for the exercise benefits and the sheer enjoyment of it.

Sunday's Triumph Classic was a nice way to top off the AARP festivities and spotlight health and exercise while taking advantage of San Diego's fantastic weather. Kathy, Colin, and Bob are looking forward to next year's event despite losing their "rookie" status and Kathy is actually considering competing in the mini-triathlon in the individual category as well as the team relay. As team coordinator Colin Campbell commented, "What better feeling is there than to exercise in beautiful San Diego, have fun, and in the process get competitive recognition for our team sports achievement?