By Joanne Degnan, Staff Writer
HIGHTSTOWN Hundreds of athletes, and even a few Clydesdales and Greek goddesses, will attempt to prove their mettle in downtown Hightstown on Sept. 26 as the borough hosts the third annual Hightstown Sprint Triathlon.
A total of 240 adults have pre-registered to compete in the event, which is comprised of a ¼-mile swim in Peddie Lake, a 12-mile bike race through Hightstown, East Windsor and Robbinsville, and a 5K run throughout Hightstown.
Organizers expect the USA Triathlon-sanctioned race to raise $10,000 or more for the borough’s Parks and Recreation Commission programs.
Experienced triathlon competitors and novices are participating in the event, which also features the heavyweight Clydesdale and Athena divisions for men over 200 pounds and women over 150 pounds. Race Director Darek Hahn describes the course as “fast, fun and flat,” making it the perfect opportunity for first-timers who want to dip their toes in and find out what the sport is all about.
”One of the great things about triathlons, in general, is that while experienced triathlon athletes race hard, they are also very supportive of the people who are new to the sport,” Mr. Hahn says. “It’s a great atmosphere.”
Anyone 14 or older who wants to compete, but missed the pre-registration deadline, can still sign up for one of the 60 remaining triathlon slots the day of the race, Mr. Hahn said. Organizers expect the race to field 300 competitors in all.
The triathlon begins at 7:30 a.m. behind the Hightstown library with a ¼-mile swim across Peddie Lake. The athletes then transition to bikes behind the Wachovia Bank on South Main Street for a one-loop, 12-mile cycling race through East Windsor, Robbinsville, and then back to Hightstown. In the last leg of the race, athletes run 3.1 miles through Hightstown streets, past four parks (Dawes, Association, Rocky Brook and Memorial) and cross the finish line at Peddie Lake Dam.
Racers will wear ankle bands containing electronic timing chips that are activated when the competitors cross timing mats placed at various locations throughout the course. After the triathlon ends, all athletes who competed in the race will get a complimentary meal from Tavern on the Lake.
For the second year in a row, a shorter children’s triathlon for ages 7 to 13 will be held the day before the main event. The children will compete on Saturday, Sept. 25, in a 100-yard swim in Peddie Lake (where lifeguards will be in the lake treading water); a 3-mile bike ride; and a 1-mile run.
The USA Triathlon-sanctioned children’s event kicks off at 3:30 p.m. at the lake, where there is plenty of viewing space for spectators. Residents who live along South Main Street are being urged to come out on their front lawns and cheer on the junior athletes as they race their bikes in a special coned-off lane on the southbound side of the road, Mr. Hahn says.
A total of 85 youngsters have pre-registered, Mr. Hahn said, leaving 15 slots for kids who want to register on race day, Sept. 25. The same-day registration fee for children is $55. Adults registering for the 60 available slots for the main triathlon the next day, Sunday, Sept. 26, pay $95.
Mr. Hahn said last year’s event raised $10,000 for the Parks and Recreation Commission, which used the bulk of the money to refurbish the downtown’s aging wooden dock at Peddie Lake. The new dock has Trex-like composite boards that will not cause splinters. The funds also were used to pay for summer youth recreation programs and the “Concert in the Park” series.
