The 2009 Somersault Series is now up and running.  You are invited to view each Series now at www.somersault.ca. You will find all the traditional Somersault events and programs there, as well as a few exciting new ones.  

Enter Now and Save - Discount Deadlines

You can enter and save on 2009 events – as much as 20%.  Go to http://www.somersault.ca/discounts.htm for the details.  Why pay the full price, when you can enter now and save – by December 31 = 20%, by January 31 = 15%, and by March 15 = 10%.  Each entry received by January 31, is eligible for one free change of event – just in case your plans change.

Gift Certificates

Christmas is coming, so why not purchase a Christmas gift certificate for your favourite, triathlete, duathlete, runner, kayaker, or swimmer. Just go to http://www.somersault.ca/giftcertificates.htm and select your race type and distance.  You can then apply that to that race distance in any event in the 2009 Somersault program, or use it as a credit for a more expensive race.  You have until the Sunday before each event, to redeem it.

New Somersault Events in 2009

New to the Somersault Series in 2009 are the following events.  Check them out! 

· Winterman Marathon, Relays, Half Marathon, 10Km, & 5KM www.wintermanmarathon.ca 

· Greater Kingston SYDENHAM Triathlon & Duathlon http://www.somersault.ca/eventsydenham.htm

· Sydenham Lakeside 5 & 10Km Run http://www.somersault.ca/eventsydenhamrun.htm

 ·  Nepean 3 & 5Km Trail Run http://www.somersault.ca/eventnepeanruns.htm 

No Entry Fee Increase in 2009 – At Least Not Yet

We are doing our best to hold the line on any entry fee increase in 2009.  That’s right; the fees remain the same as in 2008, and will stay there as long as commodity prices don’t take a big jump next year.

Student Discount – 40%

Full time students born in 1985 or later who attend school in 2009 will enjoy a 40% entry discount again in 2009.  This discount applies across the board, on early season fees, right up to race day.  We hope we continue to see the number of young people in the sport continue to grow as they did in 2008, when we experienced a 60% increase in student participation. We are proud of this Somersault commitment to the healthy active lifestyles of our young people.

Somersault Junior Serieshttp://www.somersault.ca/juniorseries.htm
The 2009 Somersault Junior Series is now a reality.  Youth from 12 to 19 years of age have their own triathlon, duathlon, and run series in Eastern Ontario - the Somersault Junior Series. There are actually two Series, the Somersault Junior Run Series, and the Somersault Junior Triathlon/Duathlon Series

The Somersault Junior Series categories are 13 & under, 14-15, 16-17, and 18-19. The distances offered to participants in these categories varies by age, and is age appropriate. Junior participants will find the atmosphere at each Somersault Event a friendly one.

Although the "Juniors" will be participating in an adult event, they will find the participants, the event volunteers, officials, and staff, helpful and supportive.

Champions Challenge & Junior Challenge

The Champions Challenge (CC) is back and it’s growing.  It also includes the Junior Challenge, which is growing even faster. You can check out the 2008 standings and learn more about the program by visiting http://www.somersault.ca/championships.htm.

Awards & Recognition Night Wrap Up

We enjoyed a great evening at the Lonestar with friends and acquaintances on November 13.  It was a time to recognize CC Champions, thank those who contributed to the 2008 Somersault program, and talk excitedly about the2009 program which was unveiled there. Many of those attending took advantage of the 25% entry fee discount, to get their 2009 training programs off on the right foot. Thanks and congratulations to the 150 who attended.

ZoomPhotos – Awards Night and 2008 Events

Those of you who attended awards night, can check out the awards and recognition photos by Zoom at http://www.zoomphoto.ca/event/10717/. Christmas is coming, so it might be a good idea to download one of those FREE for the award and recognition recipients.

We want to express our appreciation to ZoomPhoto for the great work they did for us – and you – in 2008, and we welcome them back in 2009. They tell us they had a lot of fun shooting and even racing the Somerault Events.

Don’t forget that if you want to get some photos for Christmas, please order now so we can deliver on-time. We always get a Christmas rush, so order soon!

Cheers!
Terry, Christine, Austin, Michael, and the Race Crew