Leon’s Triathlon is a 42-year-old area tradition that pays tribute to patriotism and sports.

The Triathlon will be held Sunday at Wolf Lake Memorial Park, 2324 Calumet Ave.

The event, also called America’s Race, is known as the premier paratriathlon and military tribute race bringing together athletes of all abilities, from first-time competitors to elite paratriathlete and military veterans, event founder Leon Wolek said.

Civilians of all ages are also encouraged to participate.

The opening ceremony, which starts at 7:30 a.m., includes an 80-by-40 foot flag, a Huey helicopter flyover and a special presentation with police and bagpipes.

Athletes and all participants are asked to arrive early as the front entrance roads are closed by 7:30 a.m.

Wolek said it’s no accident that the event is being held on June 1 — just five days before the celebration of D-Day on June 6.

“It’s honoring and not forgetting D-Day, and the sacrifices that were made,” he said.This year marks the 81th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 day on which the Allied invasion of Normandy took place, he said.

Wolek, a native of New Chicago, said his first triathlon was initiated in 1983 near the Izaak Walton League property off of Interstate 65 in Hobart.

The event was later moved to the Wolf Lake Memorial Park location in Hammond.

Wolek also sponsors a sister obstacle course event, held in remembrance of 9/11, which is scheduled this year at the Indiana Dunes National Park on Sept. 14.

The events on June 1 include the Sprint Distance triathlon (500-meter swim, 11.6-mile bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run) or the Olympic Distance triathlon (1,500-meter swim, a 23.2-mile bike ride, 10-kilometer run). No qualification is required.

The transition area for athletes is located in the heart of Wolf Lake Park adjacent to the Wolf Lake Pavilion.

Each participant has an area to store their gear and bike during the event.

The swim portion is held in Wolf Lake and there is a traffic-free bike course traversing the roadways south and east of Wolf Lake Park.

The run course uses an out-and-back design along the Wolf Lake Park pedestrian trail.

Wolek credits his deep patriotism and love of country to his parents and his early years spent in New Chicago.

He also gives thanks to the volunteer assistance he receives from veterans of all ages.

“This race, America’s Race, is built by older veterans and younger veterans. This is put up with heartfelt patriotism,” he said.

Leon’s Triathlon partners with a variety of local, state and national initiatives and organizations throughout the year to recognize and give back to military and first responders.

Other events include Leon’s Canine Triathlon event which will be held on May 31.

For more information or to register for the event go to: www.leonstrithlon.com.

Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.