By Amy Batista, Special Writer
WEST WINDSOR — East Windsor police officers tested their mettle in the New Jersey State Triathlon this past weekend.
The event, which was held July 21 and July 22 in Mercer County Park in West Windsor, drew approximately 3,000 competitors and more than 6,500 spectators, making it the largest triathlon in the state.
“The New Jersey State Triathlon is quickly becoming one of the largest multi-sport events on the East Coast, attracting competitors from more than 38 states around the nation, and even includes international participants,” Mercer County Director of Communications Julie Willmot said.
East Windsor Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA), Local No. 191, members Patrol Officer Michael Adelung, Patrol Officer Paul Wilie, and retired Lt. Todd Hoagland competed in the triathlon.
“This is my second year and third triathlon,” Officer Adelung said. “(PBA 191) members also participate in the Hightstown Triathlon.”
The PBA 191 members enter the race to stay in shape and for the competition aspect, he said.
“I will never come close to winning but I like to try and better myself,” he said. “This event is kind of intense as it is a large triathlon. Seeing the amount of competitors and spectators is intimidating.”
Officer Adelung said they start training a few months prior to the event when the weather starts warming up after winter.
“Running and biking in the ice is not fun,” he said.
The Olympic-distance triathlon consisted of a 1,500-meter swim in Lake Mercer, a 25.5-mile bike course and a 6.2-mile run and began at 7:30 a.m. on July 22. The sprint course consisted of a 500-meter swim, an 11.5-mile bike course and a 3.1-mile run and began at 7:30 a.m. on July 21.
The highlights of the event for Officer Adelung were the “overall experience and feeling of accomplishment after completing the event.”
CGI Racing, which also produces the Black Bear Triathlon, the Unite Half Marathon and the Wild Half Marathon, held the event in conjunction with Mercer County’s Sports and Entertainment Commission.
The event also included a “Sports and Fitness Expo” on July 20 from 3 to 7 p.m. and on July 21 from noon to 5 p.m. near the Marina Boathouse in Mercer County Park. The expo was free and open to the public.
The New Jersey State Triathlon started in 2006 and since then the number of competitors has more than doubled, with an average of about 600 athletes local to Mercer County.
For additional information on this race and other CGI-produced events, visit www.cgiracing.com.
For more information on events at Mercer County Park Commission facilities this summer, visit http://nj.gov/counties/mercer/commissions/park/.
