NORWAY — Registration for the annual Norway Triathlon is underway.

Lee Dassler of the Western Foothills Land Trust said Monday this is the sixth season for the popular SAT-sanctioned sprint triathlon race. The three legs may be completed either by individuals or by a team of three. The Triathlon began in 2008, when a 45-year-old Florida man competing against 100 solo and team entries won the event.

Last year, more than 200 athletes from 16 states, Chile and New Zealand, ranging in ages from 18 to 69, competed in the Norway Triathlon.

Dassler said the legs include a 1K lake swim at Lake Pennesseewassee, an 18K bike ride up Route 118 and the Greenwood Road along the Norway hills and lakes and a 5K run on the Libby Trail at the adjacent Roberts Farm Preserve to the finish line. The event takes about three hours from the start of the first swim heat to the time all competitors cross the finish line.

According to Dassler, the Western Foothills Land Trust uses the race proceeds to maintain and enhance the area’s natural resources through their conservation activities. According to information on the Land Trust website, the vision of the Land Trust is a balance of economic development and the preservation of the natural beauty of the region, including Roberts Farm Preserve, which the Land Trust owns.

Dassler said she received an email after last year’s race from second-place winner Steve Tenney of Falmouth, who spoke about the trail system the Land Trust has developed at the Preserve.

“Thanks for a great race! I loved the swim and effort from the volunteers,” he wrote. “The real highlight, however, was the run course. I’ve done many races in many states, and that was easily the hardest and most enjoyable run course in a sprint I’ve ever done.”

The run takes place on the Libby Trail at Roberts Farm Preserve, which is named for famed Norway photographer Minnie Libby. It is part of a network of trails on the historic 165-acre preserve, that began as a farm in 1823. John Roberts began managing the farm in 1881, and the land remained in the family until 2000.

The Land Trust purchased the property and has developed a series of barrier-free trails, which vary in width from nine to 14 feet. They are open year-round for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and other passive recreational activities. Each trail is named after a local historical figure.

As in previous years, Dassler said proceeds from the Triathlon will be donated to the Western Foothills Land Trust’s trail fund for Roberts Farm Preserve. Proceeds from the 2012 Triathlon supported the construction of the new ADA ramp and deck on the warming hut, she said.

Dassler said the Triathlon organizers also are looking for volunteers.

“Whether cheering on first-time triathletes or watching seasoned competitors, the Tri is worth attending or volunteering for,” said Dassler in a statement announcing the start of registration. “Volunteers make a commitment to attend a short organizational meeting on Friday night prior, and for the Saturday morning event which is cleaned up by noon. In return, they receive a Tri T-shirt, lunch and the inspiration of being among so many athletes.”

Dassler said sanctioned events are expensive to run, and sponsorships are needed to make the event a successful fundraiser. Any business interested in great advertising and sponsorship should contact Lee Dassler at [email protected].

Dassler said triathletes and their support teams are encouraged to stay in Norway following the event to enjoy the annual Norway Arts Festival.

[email protected]

Registration

Race director Mark White said the registration for teams or individuals is available online at www.active.com. The registration form may also be downloaded from www.norwaytri.com and mailed in. A hard copy of the form is available by calling the Land Trust at 207-739-2124. Entry fees are the same as in 2012: $75 for individuals and $105 for a three-person relay team.