SHELBURNE, New Hampshire ??” It’s time for runners and bicyclists to shift their training schedules into high gear! The seventeenth annual Wildman Biathlon, one of the toughest multi-sport events in New England, is scheduled for Saturday, August 13th at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine.

More than 200 athletes from all over the United States and Canada come as individuals and teams to New Hampshire’s White Mountains each summer to experience this event, challenging their endurance amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the Northeast.

The Wildman Biathlon consists of a 10-K run in the picturesque town of Shelburne, a 22.3 mile bicycle trek through Gorham towards a 3-mile hill climb up the Polecat ski trail to the finish line at the summit of Wildcat Mountain in Pinkham Notch.

The race begins with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. The winners usually cross the finish line about two hours and fifteen minutes later. Though many individual competitors complete the entire race, many others choose to combine their abilities as two-person and three-person teams.

The entry fees for the 2005 Wildman Biathlon are $30.00 for an individual, $60.00 for a two-person team, and $90.00 for a three-person team, with the registration received before July 30th. The registration fee increases $10 after the July 30th deadline. The entry fee includes a limited edition Wildman T-shirt, a ride down from the summit on the Wildcat Gondola, a support person Gondola ticket, and one meal ticket for the “apr??s-race” meal. Additional meal tickets and Gondola tickets are available for purchase if needed.

Categories are available for all ages and team configurations. Overall and category winners receive commemorative awards, and numerous other prizes are awarded through random drawings.

The Wildman Biathlon is a fundraising event for the Coos County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), of Tri-County Community Action Program. RSVP matches individuals age 55 and older with volunteer opportunities at non-profit and public agencies in their communities. Over 400 volunteers give more than 64,000 hours of service at 60 sites throughout Coos County. Through a variety of service roles these volunteers are helping to meet community needs.

Major sponsors who make the Wildman possible include Great Glen Trails, Isaacson Structural Steel, Laconia Savings Bank, Moriah Design Agency, Moriah Sports, Munce’s Superior, Inc., New England Employees Benefit Company Inc, North Country Internet Access (NCIA), Northeast Delta Dental, The Royalty Inn, UPS, Varsity Beverage/Pepsi, WPKQ and Wildcat Mountain.

The Friends of Shelburne Recreation, along with several other volunteers, staff the crucial water and timing stations along the race route. Gorham Emergency Services, Gorham Police, Shelburne Police, New Hampshire State Troopers and volunteer “sweepers” from the North Country Amateur Radio Club help with traffic control and competitor safety.

Wildman Biathlon information and the Wildman registration form is available on line at www.ncia.net/wildman or call RSVP at 603-752-4103.