Women's triathlon benefits breast cancer foundation

Lewis Elliot, 26, has his whole life ahead of him.

Elliot is a model, a triathlete who travels the nation to compete and a recreational musician who enjoys playing the guitar.

The Scottsdale man seems to have everything, yet there is one thing missing from his life - his mother. Elliot lost his mother to breast cancer in 2003. It was then that he became determined to "Tri for the Cure."

"Tri for the Cure," a triathlon for women, was developed in memory of Elliot's mother and benefits the Phoenix affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is the first woman-only triathlon in the state to benefit the foundation. The May 12 event will be at Tempe Town Lake.

Also involved in the creation of the triathlon were attorney Marc Rubin, 39, of Scottsdale; aspiring triathlete Preston Miller, 61, of Scottsdale; and Jeff Suffolk, 27, of Tempe, president of the triathlon company Red Rock Company.

"This race is creating an attainable goal and giving someone the chance to achieve (it)," Suffolk said.

Miller said the triathlon is a good way to introduce people to the sport in an unthreatening setting.

The triathlon will be compromised of a 750-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride and a 3.1-mile run. It is designed for women of all ages, weight, fitness and strength.

The participants are allowed to use flippers, kickboards, noodles or anything that will facilitate participation. The only rules that apply are safety regulations.

"It's a chance for women to come together and showcase their strengths and determination to complete something that may be different or new in their lives," Rubin said.

This year, an estimated 40,460 women have died from breast cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

"I just want to raise money for breast cancer research," Elliot said. "I hope a lot of people come out and have a good experience with it."

Information: www.komenphoenix .org/ or www.redrockco.com/