Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon, one of Alabama’s oldest, returns to Oak Mountain State Park

The Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon — one of the oldest triathlons in the state, organizers say — is scheduled to return to Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham June 10 at 7 a.m. 

The competition, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2016, includes a 400-yard swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run.

Britton was one of the Birmingham area’s original triathletes but died of a heart attack in 1985 during a fun run immediately after completing the Hawaii Ironman.

Britton, the website says, was “a true inspiration” for Alabama triathletes as the sport gained popularity here.

And there are still people in the triathlon community who knew or remember Britton, according to Kelly Hagerty of event organizersTeam Magic. 

“Some of his family members attend the event each year,” she said in 2016.

The triathlon is inspiring because it welcomes beginners but provides a challenge for experienced racers, Hagerty said.

For example, the 400-yard swim should not be intimidating for athletes in their first open-water competition because Double Oak Lake is calm, and the swim is a reasonable length, according to the website.

The event raises money for several local causes.

Oak Mountain State Park is at 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham.

Registration and packet pickup are at the OMSP office June 9, 5-7 p.m., and on race day from 5:30-6:30 a.m. 

Organizers will offer a race overview and a question-and-answer session for beginners at OMSP June 9 at 6 p.m.  

For details and registration, go to team-magic.com/events/94 or find “Buster Britton Memorial Triathlon” on Facebook.