JACKSON, Miss.- It all began with one little boy and his brave fight against Leukemia. That’s how the RyanMan Triathlon was born.
Ryan LaSource was a three year-old Madison native who lost his battle with cancer back in June. But before he said goodbye, this little boy inspired a triathlon that would begin to create waves in funding and research for childhood cancers across the state.
Ryan’s father, Austin, is a triathlete and was about to compete in an IronMan in Alabama when he found out that his son, only 15-months-old at the time, had relapsed and would continue to battle Leukemia once again. As Austin and his wife Lauren went to their son’s side, little did he know–a group of friends were putting together what is now known at The RyanMan.
The triathlon is about half of a traditional IronMan, a 70.3 mile course, which includes three elements: biking, running, and swimming.
“We hope to grow this race to become a household name for triathlons, a premier event that people want to do, not just in the state,” said LaSource.
This year’s course will begin at Lakeshore Park in the Reservoir area and will allow for hundreds of people to participate on October 2nd.
The non-profit is again partnering with Blair E. Batson Children’s hospital, to which all proceeds and donations from the race will go as they fight to end childhood cancers.
“We have sponsorship opportunities available and what you’re money is going to go toward is to help fight childhood cancers in Mississippi.”
Last year they wrote a check of $22,000 to Batson after the first ever RyanMan.
Sponsors for the event include Indian Cycle, River Hills Bank, Fleet Feet in Jackson, Farm Bureau, Morgan and Morgan, Itron, Larken Laboratories, and Jackson Communications.
For more information on the race and how to register visit www.ryanman.com or email racedirector@ryanman.com.
