NORWAY — Registrations for this year’s Norway Triathlon are ahead of the previous three years.

Organizers said this year the Triathlon Committee decided to increase the field to accommodate 165 bib numbers. To date, 53 bib numbers — 47 individuals and six teams — have been registered.

Anyone interested in registering should enter as soon as possible. People may register online, or download and mail in a registration form from www.norwaytri.com, or contact the trust at 739-2124 for a printed copy.

The 2011 Norway Triathlon will be run Saturday, July 9, the morning of the Norway Arts Festival. 

As in previous years, proceeds from the triathlon will be donated to the Western Foothills Land Trust’s trail fund for Roberts Farm Preserve. This summer, the trust hopes to fund and complete the remaining sections of beginners’ trails — approximately 2.5 kilometers, and to construct a three-bay shed/warming hut designed by timber-frame builder Shawn Kane.

The Norway Triathlon, to be completed by individuals or teams of three, includes a 1-kilometer lake swim, an 18K bike ride and a 5K run to the finish line.

Volunteers are sought to help with the race. They must make a commitment to attend a short organizational meeting on Friday night, and the Saturday morning event. In return, they will receive a T-shirt, lunch and the inspiration of being among the athletes.

New Balance and Norway Savings Bank have set the pace for race sponsors, to date. Sanctioned events are expensive to run and sponsorships are needed to make the event a successful fundraiser. Any business interested in sponsoring should contact Lee Dassler at [email protected].