T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — A tracking card helps participants measure their progress in the YMCA/YWCA’s brand new LazyMan Triathlon.

A new triathlon came to Marshalltown for the first time on Friday.

However, the LazyMan Ironman Triathlon, hosted by the YMCA and intended for members, is not the typical athletic event.

YMCA Health and Wellness Director Angie Paxson believes the event will go over well in Marshalltown. She added triathlon enthusiasts do not have to finish everything all at once, but rather they get an entire month. The last day is April 15.

Participants need to swim 2.4 miles, which equal 173 laps in the Y pool; bike 112 miles, either indoor or outdoor; and run or walk 26.2 miles.

Athletes can include group exercise classes or videos. Thirty minutes equal one and half miles, 45 minutes equal two miles, and one hour equal three miles.

“Events do not have to be completed in the traditional order either,” Paxson said.

The triathlon is based on the honor system. Participants get a card to keep track of their mileage. At the end, each person will get a LazyMan Ironman T-shirt.

She said the LazyMan has attracted numerous Y members, so they will hold it again next year.

“There has been quite a bit of buzz on social media about it already,” Paxson said. “Our goal is 15 to 20 participants and we are well on our way to surpassing that.”

Since the event has attracted a good amount of attention, she said the Y will host it again next year.

“We thought it would be a great way to kick off spring and summer, and give people a goal to strive for in a fun way,” Paxson said. What a fun way to set and reach new goals and sail into summer. Grab a friend and complete the triathlon together. At the end you will mark your accomplishments with an awesome LazyMan Ironman T-shirt!”

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Contact Lana Bradstream at (641) 753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.