SALISBURY/LEICESTER — Vermont Sun Fitness Center in Middlebury and Vergennes this Saturday will kick off the 30th season of its Triathlon and Running Series at Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore.
The Vermont Sun series consists of five triathlons and three running races. The sprint triathlon dates are June 20, July 12 and Aug. 9 — the races all start at 8:30 a.m. A sprint triathlon consists of a 600-yard swim, a 14-mile bike, and a 5K (3.1-mile) run.
The more challenging Olympic distance Lake Dunmore Triathlon will be held on the June and August dates. It consists of a 0.9-mile swim, 28-mile bike and 10K (6.2-mile) run. Athletes will get five time splits (swim-bike-run and two transitions) along with their finish time from the company 802 Timing.
The Vermont Sun Half Marathon (13.1 mile run) will be Sunday, Sept. 27. On that day Vermont Sun will also hold 5K and 10K running events.
Many describe Branbury State Park as a picture-perfect venue for the events. Participants are able to park within 100 yards of the registration tables, which are just another 100 yards away from the swim start. The water temperature is usually 80 degrees or better and the roads around the lake are safe and easy to navigate with support from the Addison County Sheriff’s Department. The race start and finish is adjacent to registration, where motivating music is played throughout the day, adding to the festive atmosphere.
All the Vermont Sun events include amenities such as professional photographs, post-race food, beautiful technical T-shirts, custom awards, custom water bottles, massage and more.
Organizers are emphasizing that the sprint triathlon is “very doable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.” In fact, the average finish time of a sprint triathlon is less than that for a half marathon road race.
For complete event information go to vermontsun.com and click on the “Run and Triathlon” logo or call 388-6888.