The Annual Verna Mize Triathlon will return to Houghton this Saturday, Aug. 3. There is a $5 entry fee to be paid the morning of the event, which will begin at 8 a.m. at the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton. 

The triathlon is focused on all levels of competition. Long-time athletes and first-timers are all welcome. The event consists of two races, the Mini-Mize and the Main-Mize. The race begins at the beach at the Kestner Park and winds through the hills of Houghton, where participants will end with a run along the canal park. 

The Main-Mize involves a half-mile swim, 8-mile bike (helmets required) and a 4-mile run. The Mini-Mize includes a quarter-mile swim, 4-mile bike (helmets required) and 2-mile run. The race can be done as an individual or as a team, and is open to all ages. 

The annual triathlon is in honor of Verna Mize, a pioneer for Lake Superior who was active in the environmental movement of 1967. At the time, it was standard for companies to dump the shavings of iron ore pellets into the lake, under the notion that, “the solution to pollution is dilution.” 

Mize was staunchly against this, and convinced the federal government, along with the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota to bring a lawsuit against companies engaged in this practice. Mize and her team won, and companies are no longer allowed to dump ore and other wastes in the lake, “effectively saving Lake Superior from certain destruction.”

The event is currently funded privately by the residents of Houghton and all proceeds will go to covering the cost of setting up the event. Preregistration is required. To register, call or text 906-482-2422 or email beach@up.net. 

A completed entry form is required. The form can be found online at eventbrite.com.