By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Three hundred and fifty athletes turned out for some good, clean fun in the borough early Sunday morning, many of them splashing in Peddie Lake before running and cycling through downtown Hightstown.
The eighth annual Hightstown Sprint Distance Triathlon went off without a hitch. The weather was great, the course was fast and fun and everyone who participated returned safely to the finish line, according to Stacey Judge, co-race organizer and chairwoman of the Hightstown Parks and Recreation Commission.
“I don’t think we could have had a better day,” Ms. Judge said. “Everything was perfect from the weather to the positive vibe of the athletes and most importantly our volunteers. There is nothing better than seeing a community come together for the greater good, and on Sunday the greater good was the safety of our athletes and the positive experience they took away from the day. We could not have done it without them.”
She thanked the Hightstown Police Department, Fire Department and First Aid Squad, as well as the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers who came from East Windsor, Robbinsville and Bordentown to pitch in.
“The feedback we have gotten about the race and the day overall has been most complementary, especially to the volunteers and all those who came out to cheer and support the athletes,” Ms. Judge said.
Ms. Judge also thanked the 350 athletes who came from near and far to participate in the beginner-friendly race that started and ended in downtown Hightstown by Peddie Lake. The race, which for many included a 500-yard swim, 11.2-mile bike course and 3.1-mile run, kicked off at 7 a.m.
There were a few different options for participants to tailor the triathlon course to their liking this year, with duathlon, aquabike and relay team options. There were also “Clydesdale,” “Athena,” and “Newbie” categories.
The overall winners of the Hightstown Triathlon 2015 were two locals — Jeffrey Angelini, 30, of Yardville, with a time of 55:40 and Nicole Strand, 41, of Robbinsville, who came in second with a time of 56:44. Third place went to Tom Garvey, of New York, New York, who had a time of 57:06.
The top three male finishers were Mr. Angelini and Mr. Garvey, who were followed by Bob Horn, 39, of Atlantic Highlands, at 57:51.
The top three female finishers were Ms. Strand, followed by Valerie Harr, 44, of Lawrenceville, at 1:05:08; and Barbara Feinstein, 48, of Morganville, at 1:05:13.
Laura Depko, 28, of Freehold, finished first in the “Athena” category with a time of 1:17:09. Eric Bergmann, 41, of Cherry Hill, took first place in the “Clydesdale” category with a time of 1:05:29.
In the “Newbie” category, the top male finishers were Jeremy Smith, 38, of Pittsgrove, at 1:00:54; Matthew Keating, 30, of Lawrence Township, at 1:03:53; and Kevin Hudson, 16, of Plainsboro, at 1:06:23. The top female finishers in this category were Leah Dillon, 50, of Lashaka, Pennsylvania, at 1:16:32; Zoe Valdepenas-Mell, 16, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, at 1:17:47; and Stephanie Krausser, 24, of Wall, at 1:17:59.
The top relay teams were Lynn Nelson, of Matawan, at 1:04:16; Team Tres Locos, of Princeton Junction, at 1:11:02; and Dawn Berman, of Pennington, at 1:14:07.
For more results, including results of the duathlon and aquabike as well as results by age group, visit http://dqevents.com/hights15.htm.
“We are so fortunate that the weather cooperated because up until the day before we had rain showers and thunderstorms forecast for that Sunday morning,” Tom Eng, co-race director, said. “Not only would rain make the bike course slippery and dangerous but a large rainstorm overnight from Saturday into Sunday could have potentially cancelled the swim portion of the race. Fortunately, that did not happen and we were golden Sunday morning. We are fortunate that there we no accidents on the courses despite the large number of people participating.”
Mr. Eng called the number of participants “mind-blowing” since it more than doubled from recent years.
“We were not expecting that many,” he said. “This was the eighth year. We gave out all of our T-shirts and medals and goodie bags. No left over swag.”
Ms. Judge added, “The quality of a race can depend greatly on sponsorship and it was through (our sponsors’) generosity that we were able to give away commemorative medals, great shirts, good food for our athletes and over $2,300 in prizes and raffles.”
Mr. Eng reiterated that the event could not have been executed well without the large number of volunteers, about 45, that came out to support the racers.
“We had someone on every turn and intersection directing athletes so that no one got confused or lost,” he said. “Athletes were reporting how friendly and helpful all the volunteers were that day. We also had volunteers become run angels and accompany the last few runners on the course to motivate and encourage them so that they did not feel like they were out there alone on the course.”
Mr. Eng also thanked Chuck Sellers, of DQ Events, which was the race timing company.
“He was our ‘expert’ and helped us put this together,” Mr. Eng said.
Ms. Judge added, “Chuck Sellers and his crew from DQ Events make it easier for us by holding our hands when we need it and being so professional on race day.”
The triathlon is the largest fundraiser for the borough’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“Funds raised through the race will enable Hightstown Parks and Recreation Commission to purchase new playground equipment, expand and improve our recreation programs and, of course, keep this race going year after year,” Ms. Judge said. “There also are proceeds for our nonprofit partner Stomp the Monster, an organization that provides financial and other support to cancer patients, their families, and caregivers during times of need.”
For more information about the triathlon and to find out about next year’s event, visit http://www.hightstowntriathlon.org/.
