Eppie's celebrates its last great race

SACRAMENTO – After 45 years, today marks the last great race of Eppie. Often called "the oldest triathlon in the world", participation in the race, which began in 1974, has declined in recent years

but this year has more than doubled the number of runners of the year last. It's a tradition, the highlight of our summer, "said runner Carlos Cesillas.

Another runner, June Ijana said:" It's part of the Sacramento community, it's really an institution here. "

Eppie's Great Race was an event that all who participated loved.

" It's an iconic event of the community, we know it allows people to run, to paddling, cycling … "says Dan Crandall, but now it's a triathlon that no one will ever be able to do again.

" I'm sad to see that go, "said runner Nick Walker

In recent years, the number of runners has dropped.

But in 2017, barely a thousand people have gone out

"Eppie Johnson does," said Will Kepmton, of the Wellness Foundation d & # 39; Eppie.

Thus, the family of the founder and namesake of the race, Eppie Johnson, decided to go out with a bang;

The organizers say that last Saturday, about 2,100 people went out to run, pedal and paddle one last time.

"Today looks a lot more like what it was 30 years ago." For Crandall, the race will hurt the current adventures of his kayak school because he says Eppie & E Was the only triathlon in California that had kayak instead.Crandall said, "It's an effect on all the sport in this region."

A big reason he hopes that Someone else will revive the triathlon.

"Everyone who has ever made it hope that"

But Ijana has the impression that it's over …

"There is such a character at Eppie, I would not want to see someone enter and try to take Eppie to make something different," says Ijana.

Eppie's name, along with that of his wife will be forever associated with the American River Parkway

The county devoting them a grove to River Bend park with a plaque.

"And that's an appropriate tribute to these two people and all the time and effort and support Crandall added," I have to thank Eppie Johnson for what he thought, what he has created and all the incredible fun we have had to do this race year after year. "

Eppie's name will always be associated with a Duathlon for Kids, which will take place on September 30th at Discovery Park.