Toughman Championship Spans Croton, Cortlandt, Ossining This Weekend

The 7th TOUGHMAN Half Iron triathlon Championship is the culmination of six TOUGHMAN Half Iron national qualifiers. And the epicenter is at Croton Point Park Sept. 6 and 7.

The event consists of a 1.2 mile swim in a protected bay of the Hudson River, a 56-mile bike on a closed course around Northeastern Westchester and a 13.1 mile run on the old Croton Aqueduct.

More than 1,000 adults ages 18-70 and more than 800 kids ages 4-14 from all over the US are competing this year for prizes and awards. TOUGHKids is the culmination of 10 TOUGHKids national qualifiers—and it will be held Sept. 6.

Lots of local groups are involved too. More than 100 cheerleaders from Croton Harmon High School, Hendrick Hudson High School and Kennedy High School will be yelling encouragement along the routes. Girl and Boy Scout troops are manning aid stations—as is Our Savior Lutheran Church in Croton, whose pastor Anthony Stephens is competing in the triathlon.

The TOUGHMAN course will close Route 9/9A southbound from Annsville Circle to North State Road in Briarcliff Manor. That will last from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

If you’re driving along that corridor, use the Taconic Parkway or Route 100, police advise.