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MARQUETTE -- Summer sports lovers are in for a treat in 2013. XTERRA Triathlon has chosen Marquette as the venue for an off-road triathlon as part of its national traithlon series.

The XTERRA race series is the best known series of off-road triathlons, and is considered to be the de-facto world championship of the sport. Participants can choose a "Sprint" course with a half-mile swim, 10 mile mountain bike, and 5-K trail run, or an "Epic" course with a one-mile swim, 30 mile mountain bike, and 10 mile trail run. Organizers are coordinating with the Noquemanon Trail Network for the event, which is expected to draw quite a crowd to the Marquette Area.

"To get recognition by the world's largest off-road triathlon brand in our first year, doesn't happen very often, so that really speaks highly to our community. It could really be a neat addition to what we do here in Marquette," said Derek Anderson, XTERRA Marquette Race Director.

The triathlon will take place on September 7 at Tourist Park. Interested volunteers should call (906) 235-6861. Race and sponsorship inquiries can be sent to info@xterramarquette.com.