Community Corner

'Try Simsbury' at A Fast Pace

Event designed to showcase town's outdoor assets.

Simsbury is seeking to encourage athletic tourism by hosting a triathlon (or “try-athlon”) on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 11 a.m. 

The race, “Try Simsbury: River to Ridge Try-athlon,” will highlight Simsbury’s wonderful outdoor assets, including numerous hiking trails, the wild and scenic Farmington River, and terrific bike paths & trails. Town volunteers are hoping to introduce the growing number of triathletes to what the town has to offer. 

ABOUT THE RACE

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To appeal to this increasingly popular sport’s devotees, the race will start with an ambitious 3.6-mile “River to Ridge” running/hiking segment, from the banks of Farmington River up some challenging new trails that enter Penwood Forest, gain about 400 feet in elevation, and provide breath-taking views from the ridge of the valley below.  Looping around Lake Louise on the Metacomet Trail, and then back down to the river should take runners about 45 minutes.  The next segment will be a 11.5-mile bicycling course, comprising two loops on country roads and a short segment on the Farmington Valley Greenway.  This should also take the average participant 45 minutes.  In lieu of swimming, the final component of the race is an approximately two-mile loop on the Farmington River – paddling upstream first and then back, thereby crossing twice under Simsbury’s landmark Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge….a great place for spectators!

A brief sprint to the finish line at Simsbury’s Performing Arts Center should wrap up the race in approximately two hours for most racers. 

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The race is being organized by the Town of Simsbury and Pig Iron Sports.  Thanks to our platinum sponsor Simsbury Bank, presenting sponsors Crossfit/Simsbury and Mitchell Auto Group, and major sponsor Paine’s, Connecticare, New England Urgent Care, Bicycle Cellar, and Bloomfield Bike.

Racers can run as individuals or on teams, including relay teams (male, female, co-ed), family teams, adaptive athlete teams or in the Corporate Challenge. Twenty-six contestants will win prizes as first place finishers in their categories.

ENTRY FEES

Individuals: $70 on-line, $85 on race day

Teams: $85 on-line, $100 on race day

HOW TO REGISTER

The race will be capped at 250 participants, so register early! Registration can be completed on-line at www.trysimsbury.com.

Race organizers encourage participants to bring family and friends.  There will be a race packet for them as well, filled with discounts and deals from local businesses, where they can enjoy themselves, grab a bite or get some errands done while their athletic loved one is chewing up the course!

Indeed, the impetus to organize the race was driven by a recent consultant report to the Town regarding economic development.  One of the recommendations made was to showcase Simsbury’s abundant recreational and entertainment assets.  Race organizers are hoping to bring newcomers to Simsbury for the purpose of the race but have them fall in love with the town while they and their families are here.  So they are rolling out the welcome mat and engaging local businesses to help.  For information on how businesses can support or get involved in the Try Simsbury: River to Ridge Try-athlon, contact us at trysimsbury@gmail.com or call Linda Schofield at (860) 651-8739.


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