H.B. triathlon to raise funds for Lou Gehrig’s Disease research

More than a hundred athletes of all skill levels are expected to turn out to the Huntington Beach Pier on Sunday to swim, bike, and run for medical research.

The Ryan family, a family of Huntington beach triathletes, organized a triathlon last year in honor of their inspiration Jon “Blazeman” Blais, who completed all 140.6 miles of the 2005 Ironman World Championship in Hawaii even as he suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). This year, they said, it’s bigger than ever and they plan to raise thousands of dollars to fight ALS and multiple sclerosis and to help disabled athletes.

Rather than charging an entry fee, the event merely asks for a donation to the Blazeman Foundation ( www.waronals.com) to fight ALS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

It’s not a race, organizers said. Those who participate can do as little as a single ocean lap around the pier or 5-mile bike ride, or they can try for the full-blown 140.6-mile Ironman distance in Blais’ honor.

“The idea is not about the time you finish in but enjoying the activity, just like Jon did,” said Nan Kappeler, a participant who has worked to promote the event.

The event goes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the 6th Street Parking Lot, 6th Street and Pacific Coast Highway, two blocks from the Huntington Beach Pier. For more information, go to www.ocblazeman.com.

— Michael Alexander