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Lance Armstrong To Race In REV3 Half Full Triathlon

By Ryan Hudson
FILE - 23 AUGUST 2012: After dropping his lawsuit against doping charges brought on by the US Anti-Doping Agency, the agency (USADA) announced on August 23, 2012 to strip Lance Armstrong of 7 Tour de France titles and ban the cyclist for life. ANNECY, FRANCE - JULY 23: Lance Armstrong of the USA and Astana in action on stage 18 of the 2009 Tour de France, a 40km Time Trial around Lake Annecy, on July 23, 2009 in Annecy, France. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Lance Armstrong isn't done racing just yet. Almost exactly one month after he dropped his fight against the USADA -- subsequently losing his seven Tour de France titles in the process -- it was announced on Wednesday that the 40-year old will compete in the REV3 Half Full Triathlon, set to take place in Maryland on Oct. 7.

The race -- a 0.9-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run -- is done for charity, with proceeds supporting the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. Armstrong will start in the cancer survivor wave, scheduled to go off at 7:30 a.m. ET.

"This race is a great example of what cancer survivorship is all about - not just surviving this disease, but truly living life on your own terms. My Foundation is proud to support the Ulman Cancer Fund and the great work they're doing on behalf of young adult cancer survivors." ~

Lance Armstrong

In order to allow Armstrong to race, the race organizers had to give up their status as an officially sanctioned USA Triathlon race, since Lance is banned from competing in those events. A small price to pay, said Ulman Cancer Fund COO and Half Full Race Director Brian Satola:

"Half Full has always been about raising awareness and resources to support our programs in the young adult cancer fight. We thank Lance and the rest of our athletes for supporting an event that will enable us to change countless lives."

Others, however, are not so positive.

Robert Villanueva, who finished third at last year's race, was planning to volunteer at next month's event, but then learned Armstrong would be participating.

"The race holds a special place in my heart, and he's there, and it ruins it for me," said Villanueva, who's particularly upset that race organizers let go of their sanctioned status to allow Armstrong to compete. "It says it's OK to bend the rules and to create a new set of rules for Lance."

Armstrong was banned from running the Chicago Marathon, scheduled for the same day, allowing him the availability to compete in the triathlon instead.