The 26th annual Sugar Beet Classic 5K Run and Mini-Triathlon is scheduled for Aug. 22, and pre-registration is now open.

Event organizer Teri Oursler is hoping for a boost in participation — and weather — this year.

“If we had 200 people this year, that would be great,” Oursler said. “We had about 150 last year, and then a lot didn’t show up because it was so cold and rainy.”

Sunny skies and a big turnout would go a long way to help pay for the Powell Aquatic Center’s new sound panels, which were installed in March.

“Jerry (Rodriguez) donated his time, and we (the Powell Swim Club) donated the panels — about $5,000 worth,” Oursler said.

The panels will dampen the sound of the crowded PAC during swim club and Powell High School swimming events.

“We’re looking forward to our first season with the sound panels,” Oursler said.

Swimmers from both the Powell Swim Club and Powell Panthers volunteered to run the events.

“Those that don’t compete are involved by spending their time counting and lap counting for the swimmers,” Oursler said. “It really becomes an all-inclusive group activity.”

The triathlon consists of a 500-yard swim, a 15-mile cycle and a 5K run.

Racers who register before Aug. 14 save up to $15 per person and are guaranteed a shirt, while those who register between Aug. 15-22 are not.

Registration for the 5K run is $20 during pre-registration, $30 during late registration and $10 for students.

Solo triathletes can enter for $35 now, $45 after Aug. 14 and only $15 if they are a student.

The team triathlon cost is $70 during pre-registration, $85 during late registration and $45 for student teams.

Same-day registration is allow for only the 5K run.

Entries can be mailed to Powell Swim Club at PO Box 624, Powell WY, 82435, or registration forms can be hand-delivered to the Powell Recreation District Office at Homesteader Park.