Triathlon Thank You

My heart is filled with gratitude for the amazing group effort by businesses and volunteers to pull off a successful 21st Annual Maine State Triathlon, presented by Oxford Networks, this past Sunday. For the first time, we closed a portion of Route 5 to keep our transition zone safe – thanks Maine DOT. This worked so well and we opened the road two hours ahead of plan – at 10 a.m. – learning that once all cyclists were in, cars going through were not a problem. Thanks to area residents and travelers for understanding this inconvenience.

So much thanks goes out to the Town of Bethel for cones, signs, barriers, vests, and delivery; Bethel Water District for cones, Bethel Outing Club and particularly Beth Clarke for coordinating Saturday’s kids’ triathlon; Bethel Rescue being on premises (not needed – yeah); Carol Savage Photography for photographing the event; Gould Academy for tables and ice; Oxford County Sheriff Department for traffic control; the Bethel Inn Resort for use of its lake house; and especially to Mac and Nancy Davis for allowing us to invade their yard – it’s command central for the event!

Sixty-three individuals volunteered for the adult triathlon. They are the following: Cindie Aadland, Alison and Joe Aloisio, Samantha Altobello, Joe and Lynn Arizzi, Nancy Babcock, Dave Berry, Daniela and Dominique Bonachila, Jim Bourque, Shelley Bowen, Eileen and Mike Broderick, Leanne Candura, Rick Churchill, Mac Davis, Carole and Richard Duplessis, Dave Freiday, Robin Gilbert, Jonathan Goldberg, Leslie Harkins, Woody Hughes, Greysen Kimball, Jim Largess, Maggie Lore, Bob Lowell, Rene McGrew, Amanda Moran, Cynthia Moran-Laux, Erin Murphy, Debbie Neufeldt; Emily, Michaela, Rebecca, and Zach O'Donnell; Lizz Peacock, Callie Pecunies, Ann Pernice, Brian Phelps, Bonnie Pooley, Bruce and Shirley Powell, Bruce and Lisa Pyburn, Jim Reuter, Martha Siegel, Sarah and Samantha Southam, Kelly and Gabi Stone, Bill Strauss, Lloyd Sweetser, Saranne Taylor, Shannon Thielbar, Liz Urtecho, David Walker, Brett Webber, Bob Westfall, Bill and Nancy White, and Doug Zinchuk. A huge shout-out to Doug; he quietly did so much as he does each year; just amazing!

Twenty-four people pulled off the kid triathlon: Beth, Brad, Jeb, Caleb, Aiden, Livy Clarke and Brad’s mom, Linda and “Buzz” Gamble, Jonathan Goldberg, Chris Hayward, Suzanne Newsom, Callie and Cameron Pecunies, Martha and Andrew Siegel; Peter, Sarah, Samantha, and Max Southam; Gabi Stone, and Don and Lily Weafer.

And finally, sponsors and prize donors: Presenting Sponsor, Oxford Networks; Beverage Sponsor, Coca-Cola of Northern New England; Lodging Sponsor: River View Resort; Swim Leg Sponsor: In honor of Denny Bunn and his enjoyment of the Bethel triathlon; Bike Leg Sponsor: Bethel Bicycle; Run Leg Sponsor: New Balance; Prize Sponsors: Mt. Abram Ski Resort, Sunday River Resort, Great Glen Trails, Bethel Nordic Ski Center, and True North Adventureware. We also want to acknowledge Elements Gallery and Sara Hemeon who made the fantastic prize mugs!

Julia Reuter

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce