Athletes Gearing Up for JCC Triathlon

The following press release was submitted by Leigh Blander:

Athletes are gearing up for the JCC’s Triathlon by the Sea on Sunday, May 13^th.  The race has become so popular, it sold out in less than two hours this year and the waiting list is growing by the day. The beautiful seaside course attracts athletes from around the country. 

The J’s triathlon is known as a great race for both rookies and more experienced triathletes.  Last year’s competition attracted people 11 to 70 years old!

“From my very first one, I was hooked,” said 53-year-old Judy Lopes of Lynn. “If you’re going to do a TRI for the first time, this is the best to start with.”

Swampscott police officer Kevin Reen took 1^st place in last year’s Triathlon by the Sea with a time of 59:26. This will be his 8^th year racing with the J.

“It’s really one of the best triathlons in New England,” Reen said. “The course is beautiful and the organizers and volunteers are great. It’s an awesome way to kick off the triathlon season.”

Christopher Land, 36, of Marblehead completed his first triathlon last year.  “Being new to the Marblehead area, everyone was supportive and fun.”

The race features a 1/8 mile swim in the J’s heated indoor pool, a 10 mile bike ride along the Atlantic Ocean and a 3.5 mile run.

“It’s been incredible to watch the Triathlon by the Sea get so popular,” said Director Andrew Dalton. “This is our 12^th annual race and it gets better every year. Everyone wants to be a part of it. We get nearly 100 volunteers every year.”

If you’d like to get on the waiting list for the JCC’s Triathlon by the Sea, please contact Dalton at adalton@jccns.com or 781-631-8330. You can also volunteer. For more information about the race go to www.jccns.org.