When Inland Assemblyman Paul Cook sounds an air horn to start Sunday's 24th Tinsel Triathlon in Hemet, the usual assortment of full-time and once-a-year Inland athletes will set off from the 5K starting line.
But what amazes Connie Hall, the organizer of the run-bike-swim, is the number of folks from outside the Inland area who take part. Last year, people from Los Angeles, San Diego, New Mexico, Idaho, New York and -- really -- Argentina took part.
"It just grew unbelievable (from five years ago)," said Hall, vice president of the Central County United Way. "It used to be a fun thing we'd put together. Now it has a life of its own."
The event at West Valley High School is the local United Way's biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year more than $70,000 came in from entry and vendor fees and sponsorships. The money supports local nonprofit organizations and programs.
Already this year, 1,000 people have registered for the race.
Hall credits getting the word out on the Internet, placing the Tinsel Triathlon on the cyber calendars of as many triathlon clubs as she could find.
The race has its own pages on the MySpace and Facebook social networking Web sites.
"We get triathletes that live and die triathlons," Hall said. "We also get people who have never done them before."
The event -- being contested rain or shine -- features a 5-kilometer run, 12-mile bicycle race and 150-meter swim in the school's heated pool. It begins at 9 a.m., with registration opening the day of the event at 7.
There will also be an inline speed skating race.
The Hemet Fire Department will be represented by 10 of its 45 firefighters.
Chief Matt Shobert said the turnout pleases him for a couple of reasons.
"It gets them working on their fitness, and I always say that a fit firefighter is a good firefighter," Shobert said. Secondly, some of the firefighters have been training together, "so it helps the esprit de corps."
One of them is Engineer Tom Scheuble, 47, who has worked for the city for 13 years. He is based at Station 4 near Hemet-Ryan Airport.
He has competed in the Tinsel Triathlon the past two years and is in training for a triathlon early next year. Scheuble said some of his colleagues have bought bicycles to train for the Tinsel, and that the preparation has built camaraderie.
"It's low key, but people are still out there trying to do their best," Scheuble said.
Three members of the City Council have formed a team. Mayor Eric McBride will run, Vice Mayor Jerry Franchville will bike and Robert Youssef will swim.
The race can still use some volunteers, Hall said.
Information: 951-929-9691.
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