The University of Tennessee's Delta Delta Delta sorority hosted the 23rd annual TriDeltathon on Sunday, April 20, 2008.  The TriDeltathon is a miniature version of a real triathlon, beginning with a 400-meter swim, followed by a six-mile bike ride, and ending with a three-mile run. 

The race began at 8 a.m. at the Aquatics Center on UT's campus, and followed a course that wrapped around the entire university.  More than 425 men and women and several young children participated in this year's event. Participants competed both individually and in teams.

While most of the competitors were from Knoxville and surrounding cities in Tennessee, the event also hosted athletes from as far as New Jersey, Colorado, Florida, and Wisconsin.

The TriDelta sorority partnered with Race Day Events to host the event, and proceeds will benefit Camp Eagles Nest at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.  Other sponsors included The Rush, Runners Market, The Bike Zoo, and River Sport Outfitters. 

"After all the money gets in we're expecting to make a donation of over $16,000," said Emily Woods, the philanthropic chair for the sorority.

"According to race participants and volunteers, this year was the smoothest the race has ever gone," said Woods.  "We had plenty of help and the race was very well organized and staffed on TriDelta's end. I am so happy that it went so smoothly, I couldn't have asked for a better turnout or better weather for the 23rd annual TriDeltathon."

This year's race was filmed by the JAO Pro production company.  Videos from the event explain the goal of the TriDeltathon, as well as allow runners to remember the race.