SALISBURY/LEICESTER — Saturday, June 28, kicks off the start of the 2014 Vermont Sun Triathlon and Running Series at Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore. Individual triathletes or teams of two or three will have their choice of two triathlon courses.
The Vermont Sun Triathlon is a sprint consisting of 600 yards of swimming, 14 miles of biking and a 3.1-mile run. Organizers say this is an event that is a perfect challenge for anyone with even a moderate level of fitness, as long as they have a bike and know how to swim.
The Lake Dunmore Triathlon is an Olympic distance race which does require a higher level of fitness but, is still far from the daunting “Ironman” Triathlon. It consists of a 0.9-mile swim, 28-mile bike and 6.2-mile run.
The series continues with another sprint triathlon on Sunday, July 20. Then on Sunday, Aug. 10, the triathlon season finishes with both the sprint and Olympic courses.
Vermont Sun will once again hold its popular running festival on Sunday, Sept. 28. The Run Fest, as it’s known, is also held at Branbury, where runners of all abilities have the choice of running one of three distances; 5 kilometer (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles) or a half marathon (13.1 miles).
Branbury State Park is a perfect spot for these fun swim, bike and run events. The water is warm and clear. The bike course circles two lakes, Dunmore and Fern, on lightly traveled paved roads that are monitored by sheriff’s deputies. The runs are simple out-and-back courses that are mostly shaded.
The participants are able to park within 100 yards of the registration tables, which are only a hundred yards from the swim start. The race finish is adjacent to registration. Motivating music is played throughout the day adding to the festive atmosphere. Race officials are there to support the entire simple process of registering and setting up the swim to bike-to-run transition. Aid is available on the course.
Post-race food consists of pizza, bagels and more. Other amenities included in the entry fee are custom-made water bottles, swim caps, bib numbers and awards. Professional photographers are on the course taking action photos of each athlete, which are also included in the entry fee. There is a large selection of technical T-shirts and custom triathlon and running wear available. Professional massage is also on site for that great post-race rubdown. Other sponsors and organizations contribute to the triathlons.
People who do the triathlon events are referred to as triathletes, an impressive sounding title for an activity that is not beyond the reach of most who are active. Celebrate summer and give it a Tri or a Run.
For more information go to vermontsun.com and click on the triathlon logo at the top left corner or call 388-6888.