By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter

The Black Squirrel Scurry Triathlon will hold its first ever race on July 28 in Merrill. The Black Squirrel Scurry will be held in conjunction with Lobsterfest and the Lobster Crawl held that same day.
The race will include a two-mile paddle down the Prairie River, followed by a 19-mile bike ride featuring the River Bend Trail out to the countryside of Lincoln County, ending with a 5K trail run through the Merrill Area Recreation Complex and Council Grounds State Park.
According to event organizer Greg Eichelkraut, the Black Squirrel Scurry was formed to give back to the community, with proceeds going to the Northwoods Veterans Post as well as the River Bend Trail. Eichelkraut is also hoping the event attracts competitors and visitors from other areas to come enjoy a weekend in Merrill, participating in a triathlon, as well as eating some great food at Lobsterfest.
For those looking to participate, there are many different divisions to choose from. There will be a solo division with age categories of 19 years and younger, ages 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 plus. There will also be tandems, which are teams of two where each participant does each event and their times combine for their placing. There will also be a relay option. For the relays you can have two or three participants where only one person will paddle, while the other one will bike and the last one running.
Eichelkraut encourages local businesses to get involved in the event.
“It’s a great opportunity for a business to sponsor a team and have them wear the company logo for bragging rights. Say there are two gyms in town and they both sponsor a team, the winner can gloat until next year, it’s just good competitive fun.”
The Black Squirrel Scurry has garnered sponsorships from Ballyhoo’s, Mitchell Metal Products, Park City Credit Union, Merrill Parks and Rec, Merrill Physical Therapy, Chequamegon Adventure Company, Brickners, Phil Zeisemer Photography, Marshfield Clinic, Security Health Plan, The Living Room, Golden Harvest Market, Lotter’s, Mel’s Trading Post and H&R Block.
For more information or to register for the Black Squirrel Scurry you can visit their website at www.Blacksquirrelscurry.com, or visit their page on Facebook.