Fitness is a way of life, a mindset, both a journey and a destination. The Lititz recCenter's triathlon not only tests fitness, but it also promotes it.

Simon Ababou has been the Lititz recCenter's fitness director for 24 years and founded the local triathlon 11 years ago.

"For me, fitness is fun," said Ababou. "We like to engage people. If someone joins the recCenter and trains for a long time, that experience will keep you engaged in fitness. Fitness is not about short cuts. You have to stick to it. Fitness is a lifestyle."

Located at 301 Maple St., the Lititz recCenter will be hosting its annual triathlon - a spirited competition that combines swimming, bicycling and distance running - on Sunday, Aug. 10. The event will officially begin at 8 a.m., but athletes typically begin arriving around 6 a.m., and the festivities will conclude with awards around 11 a.m.

Triathlon registration, which will include a goodie bag for each racer, will end at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 8. But competitors can take advantage of late, in-person registration between 7 and 7:30 a.m. on the day of the triathlon.

Athletes can register by going to https://lititzrec.com/special-events/annual-triathlon or by calling 717-626-5096, ext. 221.

"The purpose of the triathlon is to promote fitness, the community and a healthy lifestyle," said Ababou. "We bring communities together and boost the local economy. Lititz is a very historic town and an attractive town. Usually, the participants don't leave right after the triathlon. They end up in local restaurants and shops."

The triathlon competition will begin with a 300-meter swim in the recCenter's Lititz Springs outdoor pool, continue with a 15.8-mile bicycle ride through scenic farmlands and Penn Township to the Manheim area and back and conclude with a 3.1-mile run on a flat shaded course through Lititz's historic downtown shopping district.

Ice towels and refreshments will be available at the finish line, and the event's atmosphere will be livened by music.

"The biking course has a couple of hills, and those hills can be challenging," said Ababou. "What's nice about the biking course is that the end is flat or almost downhill. It's almost like a recovery before you go for the run. It's important for participants to stay hydrated because of the heat. They should have at least two water bottles, and we have water stops on the running course."

"If you train and you're prepared and organized, you can do well," continued Ababou. "Training and preparation are the key, especially for beginners. We have the course online so they can see the course and practice. We hear nice comments about the triathlon."

Prizes will be awarded to the top three female and male finishers overall. Medals will also be handed out for the top three male and female finishers in 12 age groups, as well as for the top performing two- or three-member teams.

"There's a vibe of energy and excitement," said Ababou. "It's a positive environment. There's energy in the transition areas. There are people there working toward a common goal."

As many as 275 individuals and team members are expected to compete in the triathlon. Nearly 70% of those competitors hail from Lititz, surrounding communities and other parts of Lancaster County, while some athletes come from as far away as Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and New York to test their stamina.

"(The competitors are) endurance-event lovers who love the outdoors," said Ababou. "These people are also determined to challenge themselves and determined to finish the triathlon. They want to stay active and motivated all year. We don't change the course, so people can challenge themselves to do better than they did the year before."

Organizers of the triathlon are hoping to realize $17,000 in proceeds, which will go toward youth programs at the Lititz recCenter. The Lititz recCenter also raises funds annually through its golf outing at Iron Valley Golf Club in May; its indoor bouldering competition Boulder Bash at Rock Lititz on Saturday, Sept. 6; its Pretzel Twist 5K and Kids Mile Marathon on Saturday, Sept. 20; and its Youth Triathlon on Friday, Oct. 3.