The most scenic triathlon you'll ever run, swim, and bike

PORT JERVIS — The Tri-State Triathlon has a terrific venue: the lovely Delaware River and the Port Jervis waterfront.

Best of all, anyone who's never before participated in a triathlon will find the event welcoming, and not at all intimidating.

"It's a race for everyone!" say race directors Neal Wilkinson and John Faggione. "We are sure you will be hooked!"

They say the triathlon, set for Sunday, Aug. 16, is the only multisport event that offers athletes the opportunity to view the entire swim course and transition area together. It offers a chance to relax and to get pumped up, while also giving athletes a mental picture of the transition area and swim exit for later in the race.

Athletes from around the country have marveled at the beauty of the venue and the amenities the waterfront offers, say the directors.

Participants will swim in the Delaware River at West End Beach, starting at 7:30 a.m. From 8 to 10 a.m. they will bike through the streets and roads of Port Jervis and Deerpark, going through the Hawks Nest, and then run through the streets of Port Jervis.

The entry fee is $8.
The SprintThe Sprint Triathlon offers beginners the opportunity to swim, bike, and run along with more advanced and expert triathletes. The condensed bike course is a challenging ride for both experts and beginners.

Distance triathlons typically consist of a 600-meter swim, followed by a 10-mile bike and then a 5K run. Unlike long-distance running races, which demand mental focus to stave off boredom, the multisport nature of the triathlon, and the short distance of each of the three components, provide plenty of excitement.

The Port Jervis riverfront offers restaurants, parks, and multiple attractions, including the beautiful backdrop. Family and friends of participants can take advantage of the attractions while cheering the racers on. Volunteers will also be on hand to help the athletes.

The right gearDespite what you might hear from gearhead triathletes, the sport doesn’t require bags full of equipment. You can keep it simple. Purchasing a tri-suit designed for swimming, biking and running — a power support top and race short or singlet — can help cut down on your gear needs and shorten the time you need to transition in between race segments.

Cycling is by far the most technical of the three sports. A mountain bike will be slower and heavier, but if your goal is to simply finish the race, it will suffice.

The race directors recommend any light frame bike that can be maneuvered with comfort and ease, and a good-quality helmet.

It’s best for beginners to use a road bike. A basic one will work, but the key is in the fit. Be sure to purchase from a cycling shop where a knowledgeable person can help you select the right bike. Cage pedals are the most basic option, but for speed and efficiency, consider clipless pedals, which attach a cycling shoe to the pedal.

"It is our goal to make The Tri-State Triathlon the best sprint event in the Northeast and to offer our racers the best and safest racing experience from pre-race to post race festival," the directors say.

For more information or to register, visit http://tri-statetriathlon.com. See related story for tips on triathlon workouts.