Regional Athletes Converge in Sleepy Hollow for Second Annual Sprint Triathlon

The first air horn sounded at 8 a.m. sharp on Sunday morning. As athletes lunged forward into the Hudson River, loud cheers erupted from the banks of Kingsland Point Park.

The second annual Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon was underway, drawing 350 competitors to register for the race, which included a 0.52-mile swim in the Hudson River, 10.14 miles on bike and a 3.01-mile run to the finish line.

Dr. Richard Giordano of Sleepy Hollow Physical Therapy and Dennis Chillemi, executive director at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter, conceived the first event in 2009 and collaborated again this year.

According to Veronica Skrelja, of Sleepy Hollow Physical Therapy, more than $45,000 was raised for the organization through this year's race.

"It was a huge success," she said, in terms of support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as well as participants' satisfaction.

On hand was Katie Smercak, a 12-year-old Tarrytown resident, whose acute lymphoblastic leukemia is currently in remission. Smercak, who was diagnosed at age five, especially enjoyed the privilege of blowing the air horn to start off each group of swimmers.

"Thank you for everything you've done today," she said in a speech to event organizers.

Many Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown residents participated in the race, while others heralded from White Plains, Pelham and other parts of Westchester. Still others came from out of state, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut and New Jersey.

"It was a great race," said Matt Kemple, an athlete who came from the Jersey Shore to participate. "It was very well-organized, lots of volunteers."

The day, though overcast, managed to stay dry throughout the duration of the race.

"I'm glad it didn't rain," said Skrelja. "It really held off for us."

The smooth running of the day was largely due to the help of the 235-plus lime green shirt-wearers who provided assistance, manned stations and provided endless words of encouragement to the athletes.

"Bear in mind, this is all run by volunteers," Chillemi told athletes and spectators following the awards portion of the day.

He also applauded Ray Kelly, the race's director, calling him "tremendous" and added, "He's the center of our universe."

In addition to overseeing the race, Kelly coached top female finisher, Michele Wolfson, who completed the race in 1:10:33.

Wolfson said she's been competing in triathlons for about five to six years, though this was her first year competing in the Sleepy Hollow Spring Triathlon.

"I just wanted to have a good race," she said. "I'll absolutely come back next year. Maybe I'll bring my kids."

Several area businesses and organizations brought multiple contestants to the race to compete individually or as part of the relay portion.

Erin Reilly, of Mamaroneck, participated as a member of a Rye-based team for the first time. Her finishing time of 1:27:38 earned her second place in the female category for ages 30-34.

"It was a great race—well-organized and a lot of fun," she said. "It was one of my first races, and the first of the season. I'm just excited that I finished."

Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown-based medal winners include:

Individual Racers:

Joseph Scarpati, 18, Sleepy Hollow, 1:21:07 (3rd Place Males 1-19)

Nicholas Grala, 24, Sleepy Hollow, 1:20:52 (1st Place Males 20-24)

Colleen McGlynn, 19, Sleepy Hollow, 1:38:52 (2nd Place Females 1-19)

Karen Blank, 23, Sleepy Hollow, 1:30:22 (1st Place Females 20-24)

Becky Zifchock, 32, Sleepy Hollow, 1:31:33 (3rd Place Females 30-34)

Amy Passingham, 45, Tarrytown, 1:28:28 (2nd Place Females 45-49)

Katharine Brown, 61, Tarrytown, 1:52:25 (1st Place Females 60-64)

Jeanne Silverman, 61, Tarrytown, 2:09:05 (2nd Place Females 60-64)

Relay Teams:

Princess, 1:08:53

Sweetgrass, 1:12:17

Praino, 1:13:48

Skrelja said "the chance to feel a part of something" made the day both a successful and memorable one.

"The volunteers are fantastic," said Kelly after the race. "This year is fantastic."

See here for full results from the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon. For more information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, see their website.

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