Marlborough Triathlon to Host 500 Athletes, Seeking Volunteers

Nearly 500 athletes and countless spectators will gather at the Third Annual Marlborough Triathlon, to be held in the Marlborough-Hudson area on July 10. 

Sponsored by companies such as Gillette, Saucony, and JetBlue, the race supports the All Sports Booster Club at Marlborough High School. 

This test of endurance - founded by 2008 Olympian and professional triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker; his coach, Tim Crowley, and Bill Burnett- includes a 1/3-mile swim in the Fort Meadow Reservoir, a 15-mile bike ride, followed by a 3.3-mile run, ending at . 

“Events like this help to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. It's great to set that example for kids,” Burnett said. 

Among this year's athletes are renown father-son team Dick and Rick Hoyt, who will be competing in the event for the third year in a row, as well as co-founder Jarrod Shoemaker. 

Even if you aren't up to the challenge of competing, you can still become involved by signing up to be a much-needed volunteer for this exciting event. During the triathlon’s first year, Marlborough mayor Nancy Stephens volunteered her time to make the race run more smoothly. 

“The more volunteers we have, the safer the courses are,” said Lesley Crowley, the triathlon's volunteer coordinator.

Although some streets are closed, it is important to have volunteers who can make sure cars do not pull out of side streets. 

Transitions from swim to bike to run can be difficult to coordinate, Crowley said, especially when spectators meander too close to the track. In addition, there are several sharp turns that volunteers will need to bring to the athletes' attentions. 

“It might sound a little bit dangerous, but it's a fun race. Volunteers come in at 8 a.m. and the race is over by noon,” Crowley said. 

The Marlborough High School football team consistently volunteers its time to setting up the course the day before the race and taking it down when the race is over. 

“It's a big community event, and it brings a lot of people to the area,” Crowley said. “It's a great example of how we can work so well together.” 

For more information on how to get involved, or to sign up to volunteer, e-mail Lesley Crowley at lesley.crowley@yahoo.com.

The triathlon is coordinated by Streamline Events, an agency that coordinates other athletic events around New England, including the Nantucket and Cohasset triathlons. For more information, visit their website. 

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