A late, summer tradition and one of the area's most anticipated athletic competitions, the Town of Hempstead Triathlon will register participants through Friday, Aug. 25. This year's event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a 3/4 mile ocean swim in the surf at Town Park, Point Lookout, according to Supervisor Rich Guardino.

"On the morning of Sept. 9, approximately 300 tri-athletes will hit the water at Town Park for a challenging ocean swim, followed by a 10-mile bike and a 5-mile run," explained Supervisor Guardino. "One of the town's signature athletic events, the triathlon is celebrating its 17th anniversary this year."

To receive a Triathlon application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Town of Hempstead Triathlon, Department of Parks and Recreation, 200 North Franklin Street, Hempstead, New York 11550. Applications may also be obtained in-person at the Parks Administration Building, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the Parks Department at 292-9000, ext. 219.

Registration fees for the 2000 Triathlon are: $35 for a town resident, $17.50 for a senior town resident and $50 for a non-resident. There are no race day registrations.

The triathlon's primary sponsor is the New York Sports and Physical Therapy Institute in East Meadow. Additional support is provided by Trader Joe's in Oceanside, which will donate bottled water and nutritional food supplements for the enjoyment of all participants. Sky Athletic Club in Rockville Centre, Brands Cycle of Wantagh, C Town of Long Beach and the Aloe Cal Cruz Surf Shop in Bellmore will also serve as event sponsors.

"In a tradition of thrill-a-minute races, and record-breaking finishes, the Town of Hempstead Triathlon has traditionally provided compelling athletic action for competitors and spectators alike," noted Supervisor Guardino. "I encourage all tri-athletes to circle Saturday, Sept. 9 on their competitive calendars and experience the excitement of a premier athletic event."