Approximately 400 residents of Westborough and the surrounding towns were up at the crack of dawn on Sunday, Aug. 14 to participate in the . Athletes of all ages and fitness levels showed up on the grounds of Westborough State Hospital with wetsuits, bikes and running flats for a soggy morning of exercise and community service.
Festivities were kicked off with the National Anthem and a Color Guard by Boy Scout Troop 382.
After words of thanks and encouragement by Westborough Selectman Lydia Goldblatt, and high-fives and fist bumps from Finz of the Worcester Sharks, the event began at 8 a.m. with a quarter mile swim in .
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Participants began in waves, with elite and younger members going first, and others following in ascending order by age. Clydesdales, men over 200 lbs; Athenas, women over 150 lbs; and relay teams ran last.
The swim was followed by a 14 mile bike ride through Westborough, Northborough, and Southborough. The lead cyclist was led back onto the state hospital grounds by police escort.
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After dismounting and returning bikes to racks, participants ran 3 miles, mostly on trails around the property. Drinks and fresh fruit were available to participants at the finish line.
Awards were presented to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category, the top 3 Clydesdales and Athenas, and all members of the first place male, female and mixed relay teams.
Beneficiaries of the Sprint Triathlon are determined each year by the
Rotary Club of Westborough. This year’s beneficiary is the American Diabetes Association. According to Rotarian Bill Linnane, The Westborough Rotary Club will host a Diabetes Syposium on Sept. 13 at the .
A complete list of finishers and times can be found on www.coolrunning.com. Additional photos are available on www.westboroughrotary.org and Ron Goodenow’s blog on Northborough Patch.
