Austin residents will soon lace up their running shoes, pump up their bike tires and grab their swim suits. The Austin YMCA on Saturday will host the first-ever Spamtown Triathlon.

The event, at 7 a.m. July 20, includes a 500-yard swim, 13-mile bike ride and 5-kilometer run. The swimming portion will occur in the YMCA pool, while the rest will be outdoors. Bikers will go by Todd Park and through rural Austin on their way to the YMCA parking lot, which will act as the transition area. The final sprint will take runners on part of the Mill Pond path, by the Queen of Angels church and will finally loop back by Main Street.

“The triathlon is such a growing sport, and there is so much interest in it.” said co-coordinator Cindy Bowe. “It combines the interest of three different sports.”

The decision to hold the triathlon came from the growing popularity in surrounding areas, including Albert Lea, Owatonna and Rochester.

“The triathlon is a huge, huge sport,” Bowe said.

Participants should remember to gather essential equipment for the triathlon: running shoes, goggles, a bike and helmet.

The event is targeted at adults, but teenagers can also take part if they’re up for the challenge.

The cost is $70 for individuals and $80 for teams, which includes a T-shirt. Participants can register until 6:30 a.m. the day of the event, or in advance at www.ymca-austin.org or www.active.com.