By Quinn Graves
Student Intern
PRESQUE ISLE — Tri Aroostook is coming back to the University of Maine at Presque Isle this Saturday, June 29, for the second straight year. The only USA Triathlon-sanctioned event in northern Maine, Tri Aroostook features a 525-yard swim in UMPI’s Gentile Hall pool, a 10.25-mile bike course to the south of Presque Isle and a 3.1-mile run in the fields and trails next to the UMPI campus. The event begins at 8 a.m., with an awards ceremony scheduled for 1 p.m.
If you’re unsure about taking on all three portions, you can choose to be a member of a relay team and only do one or two, something race director and triathlete Jonathan Kelley encourages.
The event is perfect for the fitness buffs who live to train and those looking to try something a little different.
“My goal for Tri Aroostook has always been creating a triathlon that anyone can compete in,” Kelley added.
If the old adage “numbers don’t lie” is true, that’s exactly what he did. With registration now officially closed, a total of 128 athletes from a variety of backgrounds are competing in the event, an increase of nearly 40 percent from last year.
One of the benefits of bringing back the triathlon for a second year is how it helps combat a sedentary lifestyle that plagues many Americans.
“We are supportive of efforts to help people of all ages get active,” said Sylvia Getman, president and CEO of The Aroostook Medical Center, a lead sponsor of Tri Aroostook. “The athletes who participate in these triathlons benefit from the events, but also from the work that goes into preparing for them. The participants are role models for others who are looking to live a healthier lifestyle.”
Although promoting a healthier lifestyle is one the triathlon’s primary goals, there are more benefits to hosting one. According to Kelley, it also has a positive impact on the local economy.
“The athletes are staying in the hotels, going out to dinner the night before, purchasing triathlon-related gear and interacting with the business owners when doing so,” he stated.
Also, local businesses are getting their name out there by sponsoring the event, which Kelley says wouldn’t be possible without such a supportive business environment.
“Their support is vital to the success of Tri Aroostook because of the experience that can be given to each athlete,” Kelley said.
Spectators are encouraged to attend and support the athletes and organizers who have worked hard to make this event possible. There is nothing more reassuring than seeing a friendly face on the course or as rewarding as a hug at the finish line.
Those interested in learning more about the event or volunteering can go to www.TriAroostook.com for more information. Kelley encourages volunteers to sign up, and there will be a mandatory meeting Friday, June 28, to go over the event and assign roles.
