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Wilmington YMCA Triathlon
A Race for Everyone
by Pam Creech
triathlon – an endurance athletic contest consisting of three different phases: swimming, cycling and running
More than 1,000 triathletes will gather on September 21,
at the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway across
from the Blockade Runner Beach Resort, eager
to compete in the 34th annual Wilmington
YMCA Triathlon. Participants will swim 1,500 meters in the ICWW,
bike 12 miles and run a 5k (3.1 miles) on the John Nesbitt Loop at
Wrightsville Beach.
“We have a number of programs that benefit from this,” says
Dick Jones, the president and CEO of Wilmington Family YMCA. Last
year’s race raised $25,000 for courses such as Physability, an exercise
and recreation program for individuals with physical or emotional
disabilities. The funds also helped families who can’t afford to
purchase membership join the YMCA.
However, this race isn’t your typical fundraiser.
“It’s a big festival — a party,” Jones says. “It’s a great venue for
spectators.” Vendors sell food and beverages at Wrightsville Beach
Park as spectators sprawl out on beach towels and blankets and watch
triathletes come through the transition area after they complete each
portion of the race.
The triathlon attracts a variety of participants, from professional
athletes to novices. Kalyn Cooper, a Wilmington native, was a first-time
triathlete when she completed in the race in 2011.
“The first time I did it, I wanted to do something different…
a new challenge,” she says. “I loved it!”
The bike course is one of Cooper’s favorite parts of the race.
“The only hill is the Wrightsville Beach bridge, and you get to go
down Airlie,” she says. “It’s a perfect, flat area.”
Like Jones, Cooper also enjoys the race’s festive atmosphere.
“It’s cool because you have a lot of people cheering you on along
the way,” she says.
Cooper competed in the 2012 triathlon, and looks forward to
competing again this year.
“It’s a great race to be a part of,” she says.
To register to race or volunteer, visit www.setupevents.com
Alex Szerszen and Crystal Fink exit the water at Seapath Marina on September 22, 2012, during the Wilmington Family YMCA Triathlon.
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WBM september 2013
WBM FILE PHOTOs