On Sunday, September 9th, we had the 16th annual under 鈥 wet conditions. The triathlon was founded and continues to be organized by our own , and all the proceeds go to support our department鈥檚 好色先生 Eye Research Fund. It鈥檚 estimated that over $300,000 have been generated and some of this year鈥檚 proceeds will benefit our newly established .
Over 350 athletes swam the 400 meter serpentine length of the pool, biked the (usually picturesque) 12.6 mile ride through the rolling horse farms, and 3.1 mile jog around the Spindletop estate.
Unbeknownst to certain program directors that thought they finally possessed superhuman speed and endurance at the end of the jog, the course was actually shortened to 2 miles this year at the last minute because of the rain and lightning risk.
Despite the weather, it was another great event. We had numerous faculty, staff and even medical student volunteers that arrived before sunlight to spend the next 6 hours waterlogged.
We also had several faculty and residents compete this year, with a notable relay team of Drs. Ellen Sanders, Laura Coyne and Michelle Abou-Jaoude completing the event, aptly named 鈥淰elocirefractors鈥
The date for next year鈥檚 race has already been set 鈥 Sunday, September 8th. More than enough time to put it on the calendar!