Tri-High: Westfield Woman Places in Triathlon

One hundred ninety women from a locally based triathlon group were among 1,436 athletes to participate in the Danskin Sprint Triathlon in Sandy Hook on Sunday, Sept. 12.

The triathlon group, called Tri-Women, included women ages 17 to 72. They completed a half-mile bay swim, 10-mile bike and 3.-1 mile run. Five of the Tri-Women, including a Scotch Plains resident placed first in their age groups: Ilene Goodman, 21, of Westfield (20-24-year-old age group); Barbara Maguire, 43, of Westfield (40-44); Janice Baker, 50, of Scotch Plains  (50-55); Kathy Calabretta, of Cranford (60-64); and Marie Russo, of Summit, (65-69). The full race results can be found here. 

The Danskin event was the culmination of the Tri-Women group's triathlon season, during which hundreds of local women participated in sprint- and Olympic-length events throughout the state.

"This group continues to amaze me," Amy Carow, the tri-women group's founder, said in an email. Sunday's participants "did it. They faced their fears, and conquered all the obstacles and challenges."

She added that she was particularly impressed by the first-timers. "Every year I am energized and inspired by the women who come out to do the Danskin Triathlon for the first time," she wrote. "There are so many examples within our group of individuals who faced personal challenges but were able to overcome obstacles, push through their fears, and reach the finish line.  I am proud to be associated with this group of amazing women."

Carow also competed in the triathlon. A Scotch Plains resident, she finished 22nd overall, and fourth in her age group. 

In her email, she thanked the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and the JCC of Central New Jersey for providing facilities and support for the group. Carow also acknowledged the group's many leaders and experts who volunteered their time and talents to help the tri-women prepare for the event.