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As the weather and the water in Long Island Sound grow warmer, dedicated athletes begin marking their calendars with multiple triathlons that take place in the area. This year, a new triathlon will kick off the season for many of those athletes, the Seaside Sprint, hosted in Bridgeport by Fairfield business TriFitness this Sunday at 6:30 a.m.
TriFitness, a company that trains athletes in multiple sports and has hosted the Fairfield Triathlon for many years and will continue to do this year. Like that event, this will be USA Triathlon sanctioned. It is expected to draw around 400 participants and there is still time to sign-up on the event's website.
The company was founded by Paul and Pascale Butcher in 2001. Pascale is a multi-winner in different triathlons around the region and the nation. Her idea for the event in Bridgeport was to continue to spread triathlons throughout the region and create another event to kick off the year and allow for beginners to take part.
The sprint distance triathlon will begin with a half mile swim in Long Island Sound departing from Seaside Beach, followed by a 10 mile bike ride and a 5K race along the seashore that will conclude back at Seaside Beach at its pavilion. The first racers will finish around 7:30 a.m.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Charter Oak Challenge Foundation. Formed in 2001, it has distributed over $5 million to disadvantaged children in the Bridgeport region. In addition, there will be a collection for Soles for Soles, which takes gently used running and athletic shoes and gives them to those in need.
The course is family friendly and beginners are welcome. Food will be available, massages will be provided post race by Dr. Brett M. Carr Chiropractic and Nutrition and prizes will be awarded based on age groups. Relay teams are also encouraged to participate.
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