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Volume CXXXII, Number 19 |
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Triathlon comes to Brunswick
GRACE CHO
STAFF WRITER
Nearly three years ago, a Canadian by the name of Simon Whitfield paved the way for a new era of athletics in America. Whitfield, the Olympic gold medallist in the inaugural triathlon competition, brought forth a new wave of excitement and awareness in the sport of triathlons. And this excitement has finally reached Bowdoin College, as the school hosts the first annual Iron Bear Triathlon on May 4.
For many who are unfamiliar with the sport of triathlons, here's a quick outline of a typical one. A triathlon consists of three events, including swimming, biking, and running. Each racer competes in all three events one after the other without rest. The competitor to complete all three events first is the winner.
Race director, Will Thomas '03, describes the format of a triathlon as a grueling race that tests more than just one skill. "Triathlons require strength in all three of events. A winner of a triathlon cannot be good at just one of them," said Thomas.
It was this aspect of versatility that drew Thomas towards the sport. "I had been doing triathlons since I was 16 years old. Ever since my first one I have been hooked."
Since arriving to Bowdoin four years ago, Thomas has become the person to contact when it comes to triathlons. Students ask him often how to train and the whereabouts of the next nearby race. The growing interest Thomas had been sensing around campus spurred him to investigate the logistics of organizing a triathlon on campus.
"One day last April, a friend of mine and I talked about putting together a triathlon here in Brunswick. But I didn't take the idea really seriously until this October, when I finally decided I would put my mind to it," said Thomas.
Now with the triathlon date set and a steady flow of race registration forms streaming in each day, Thomas feels his dream is now a reality. "All the people I have had to contact and work with have been very supportive of my efforts of trying to put this event together. Bowdoin has been incredibly supportive by letting us use facilities to put together the course."
He added, "Local shops have donated food and prizes for the post race raffle. The Brunswick Recreational Center has lent their support by actively seeking volunteers for race day and handling some maintenance."
As evident by the overwhelming support, Thomas believes that the College and the Brunswick community have grown together. Said Thomas, "This event has been a great way to build bonds between both Bowdoin and Brunswick."
Thomas also hopes that besides just building bonds between the community and College, the triathlon will also become a yearly fundraiser for the town recreational center. "I feel like this is a great way to give back at the community. The money we receive from the race will be donated to the town recreational center to programs that will promote health and fitness."
When asked about the hours of work that he has put into the creation of this event, Thomas said, "This has been my honors project for the year. I can't wait to see it complete and feel the gratification of knowing I have made my contribution back to Brunswick and the College."
For anyone interested in either competing or volunteering, more information can be found at the Bowdoin College athletic homepage or by contacting Will Thomas at wthomas@bowdoin.edu.
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