East Lansing and Michigan State University have graciously provided our club with a comfortable home, beautiful scenery, and an energetic atmosphere. It is for this reason that we strive to return the favor and be active in the community. Our club strongly believes in continually strengthening our bond with the Greater Lansing community through various acts of volunteering. Below is a list of just a few of the groups and activities that our members support.

C-Different is an organization that is dedicated to giving athletes with visual impairments chances to compete in athletic events. They work to help these athletes compete in everyday athletic events. In triathlon, this is accomplished by providing a guide, someone who can swim, bike, and run with the visually-impaired athlete to direct them along the course. The MSU Triathlon Team will be hosting its Swimathon in November 2008 to benefit this organization.

Lansing is the proud host of the Capital City River Run, which consists of a half-marathon and 5K run. The day before the race, Healthy and Fit Magazine hosts an expo that provides fitness venues a chance to speak one-on-one with race participants. We assist in set up, running, and take down of the expo as well as operate an aid station during the section of the run through the MSU campus. You’ll see our green-and-white aid station is the most energetic, supportive, and enthusiastic aid station in the entire run.

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit prevention program that uses running to teach young girls principles of self respect, goal setting, and healthy lifestyle development. This 10-week program culminates with a celebration 5K. The MSU Triathlon Team has helped run the celebration 5K in the past, and this year some members have chosen to extend their commitment by serving as coaches.

Into the Streets is an organization that is dedicated to introducing Michigan State students to thoughtful community service. Each year, this group organizes volunteer events throughout local communities in which individuals and student groups can volunteer to help out with on Martin Luther King Day. This past year, the MSU Triathlon Team spent the day working with the American Red Cross at their food distribution center.

Through racing and organizing their own races, the MSU Triathlon team realizes just how much work goes to putting on an event. We do as much as we can to have a presence and help out whenever the opportunity arises as race day volunteers. This past year, our team provided volunteers at the Capital City River Run, the Steelhead Half-Ironman, Ironman Lake Placid, and the Sylvania Kids Triathlon just to name a few. In 2008, a large group will be heading down to Wisconsin to cheer on some fellow Spartans and to volunteer on race day.