CASSOPOLIS — The sixth annual Diamond Lake Triathlon could have more athletes seeking out a teammate or two before registration ends.

On July 20, the Diamond Lake Triathlon will still host its individual competitor triathlon and a Southwestern Michigan TriClub Challenge at the Diamond Lake Marina, 21268 Shore Acres Road, Cassopolis.

Four triathlon teams have already signed up to compete for the prize of a traveling trophy: Tri-Locos from Indianapolis, Triple Threats out of Granger, Tri-Avengers smashing out of Benton Harbor and Tri-Kats hailing from Kalamazoo. Scores will include the top three competitors from each team, two males and one female. The team with the lowest score will win the trophy.

“It was an idea a member of the Triple Threats brought to my attention a couple of years ago, and we just never did anything with it,” said Joe Fazzini, the race director. “I thought it would be a great year to do it since we’ve been getting people from all over the region coming and competing.”

Fazzini, who is a member of the Tri-Locos, purchased the trophy, along with his teammates, and donated it to the race. The idea arose after triathlon teams noticed how southwest Michigan lacked a triclub challenge, he said.

The triathlon also welcomes a new benefactor this year, the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, giving anyone a chance to pursue an active lifestyle through physical activity or competitive athletics, according to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Alex Stscherban remains a benefactor. Over the past five years, the event has donated $15,000 to Stscherban, who was injured in a triathlon and is now a quadriplegic, Fazzini said.

“I know Alex’s family. He was injured before we created this, and we thought it was a good reason to keep doing the triathlon,” Fazzini said.

Donations have provided Stscherban with a computer he can talk through by blinking his eyes and a new mechanized wheelchair.

“It’s these little things we are doing to help improve his quality of life,” Fazzini said.

A new sponsor this year will be supplying the race with refreshments, 26.2 Brews, the same sponsor as the Boston Marathon.

“They are a major sponsor of the big races. We are fortunate they took a liking to a small race like us,” Fazzini said.

Following the race, a raffle of donated triathlon related items will commence and a toast to honor John Kennedy, the former Diamond Lake Marina owner, who passed away last year.

“He’s been everybody’s neighbor up here for as long as I can remember,” Fazzini said.

Last year, the event changed locations to the Diamond Lake Marina. It offered to host the event again this year, Fazzini said.

Fazzini hopes the weather will hold out and attract more than 150 racers this year. Last year, the race had 113 competitors and the year before 112, he said.

Fazzini said there is still time for racers to sign up for both the individual and team relay triathlons at diamondlaketri.com.