Triathlons are demanding tests of athletic stamina, determination and preparedness. They're also great tests of character.

The Lititz recCenter's annual triathlon will be contested on Sunday, Aug. 6, beginning at 8 a.m.

That's when some of the fittest athletes around will descend on Lititz to compete against opponents, the clock and themselves.

"Our goal is to keep people moving in different ways, to keep people healthy," said Lititz recCenter's fitness director, Simon Ababou. "We want to provide exceptional fitness programs to the community. It's about taking care of yourself. We understand the benefits of being healthy. We always say, 'Fitness is fun.'"

Nearly 250 athletes from Lititz, Manheim, Ephrata, New Holland, Lancaster, York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and New York are expected to compete in this year's Lititz recCenter triathlon. Contestants range in age from 13 to 75.

Participants can compete individually or in teams of two or three. Prizes and medals will be awarded to the top three female and top three male finishers in each age group.

"(The competitors) come from all over," said Ababou. "Most of them know each other, and you can see them conversing. Some of them are very serious athletes. They train hard and compete, and they want to push hard and beat their time. It isn't easy for them."

As a competition, the Lititz recCenter triathlon is composed of three components: a 300-meter swim, a 15.8-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. Conditioning plays a huge role in success, and for some participants simply finishing is an accomplishment.

The contest begins with swimming at Lititz Springs Pool. Then after hopping on their two-wheelers, the competitors traverse three challenging hills during the riding of the bicycle course between Lititz and Manheim.

The final leg of the event involves a moderate run through downtown Lititz streets and neighboring roadways.

"For some people, their strength is their swim, and their weakness is their run," said Ababou. "Some people struggle with the swim. And others are like, 'Just wait 'til I get to my bike; I'll show you what I can do.'"

The Lititz recCenter triathlon serves as a fundraiser for its youth programs.

"It's a community event," said Ababou. "It's bringing people from different cities and states to Lititz. It's also great for the local businesses."

Since the inception of the Lititz recCenter triathlon, the number of competitors has grown by more than 100. It's also gained a certain reputation in the triathlon community.

"We have people telling us all the time, 'We like your event. It's well-organized,'" said Ababou. "When I started it nine years ago, I saw people were asking for more outdoor events. I figured, 'Let's add value to our membership.' Every year it has grown just a little."

For additional information on the Lititz recCenter triathlon, go to http://lititzrec.com/special-events/annual-triathlon/.