The inaugural Tropical Indoor Quadrathlon — an event for anyone in the community looking to showcase her or his skills in swimming, running, rowing, and bean bag tossing — will be held at the Campus Recreation & Wellness Center on Feb. 20.

The brainchild of a Recreational Services graduate student Thom Rieck, the quadrathlon departs from the usual quadrathlon not just in its events but also in its focus.

This quadrathlon will consist of the three events lasting just 10 minutes each, with competitors trying to rack up the longest combined distance in the pool, on the track, and on a rowing machine. Then, during the bean bag toss, a successful throw on a standard Bags board —the popular tailgating game — will add 25 yards to one’s total.

With speed, not endurance, being the goal, Rieck said it’s a perfect opportunity for someone who didn’t have six months to prepare for a true triathlon or quadrathlon to get some early season training.

“We wanted to kind of keep it beginner-friendly,” he said. “But it’s still enough where you’re challenged.”

As of Thursday morning, 35 competitors had signed up for the event, but walk-ups will be welcome.

Anyone looking to sign up is encouraged to show up by 10 a.m. Sunday. There will be a mandatory pre-race meeting at 10:30. Prizes will be awarded to top racers, and even non-victors could win raffle prizes.

Recreational Service members and students must pay $25 to register; nonmembers must register at a cost of $35.

— by Ian Martin