EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University will host its second annual I TRI for MAC triathlon in honor of McKayla Hanson, EMU alumna and contender for the U.S. Paralympic Triathlon team. The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 8 a.m. on Eastern Michigan University’s campus.

The event, which is a beginner-friendly triathlon, offers a range of races that participants can choose from, including:

• Sprint Triathlon: 500m pool swim, 14-mile bike ride, 5k run (also offered as a relay) 
• Super Sprint: 200m pool swim, 5-mile bike ride, 1-mile run
• Sprint aquabike: 500m swim, 14-mile bike ride
• 5K and 1-mile run

The triathlon will include swimming in the University pool, biking on the bike path to and from the University and running around the campus, finishing next to the pool in the courtyard. 

Proceeds will go directly to the McKayla Hanson Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship in recognition of McKayla and her impact on others. The I TRI for MAC Triathlon is the primary fund raiser for this scholarship. It benefits first- and second-year students in the EMU Orthotics and Prosthetics Program.

At the age of 7, McKayla Hanson was diagnosed with a rare cancer and given only months to live. She thrived, despite the adversities she faced. She underwent multiple surgeries, culminating in the removal of her right leg, including her pelvis, which saved her life. 

McKayla rejected the notion that she was disabled, and became a member of her high school swimming and diving teams, a high jumper, champion rock climber, national champion hand cyclist, national champion triathlete and a peer mentor.

She received her Masters of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Eastern. She was just beginning her career helping other amputees to regain their independence and spirit, before she tragically succumbed to cancer.

“McKayla Hanson was an incredibly inspirational young woman,” said Wendy Beattie, EMU Program Director for the Masters of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics. “Her courage, inspiration and perseverance in the face of adversity cannot be understated. She was a bright light in the lives of all that knew her, and we are honored to be hosting the second annual I TRI for MAC triathlon in her honor. We hope the EMU and surrounding communities will come out and join us for this fun, friendly-competition, benefiting the McKayla Hanson Memorial Scholarship.”

Those interested in participating in the 2019 I TRI for MAC Triathlon can register on the event website. Registrations will be accepted through October 6. Each participant will receive a custom event shirt, custom finishers medal, sponsor supplied samples and a professional chip timing with results available online. Awards will be given to the top three in each age group.  An awards ceremony will follow the last finisher.

Sponsors include Bremer Prosthetics, Comfort Prosthetics&Orthotics, Wright & Filippis, 3Disciplines, Becker Orthopedic, Freedom Innovations, OPIE Software, and PnO Data Solutions.

To learn more about the I TRI for MAC Triathlon, visit the triathlon website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.