The first Essex Youth Triathlon event on Sunday, October 11 was a great success for the organizers of the event itself. The real success was for the families and children that participated in fighting childhood obesity by simply trying to get fit by training for and competing in this years kick off event. With over 120 children in the 6 age categories from all over the State and a handful of out of Staters, the morning was full of waves of competing young athletes in the first ever youth triathlon on Cape Ann. The day was designed for every young athlete willing to "Just Tri" as the tag line for this event goes.  The Essex Board of Health began planning this event in the Fall of 2008. Monetary support came from local businesses mostly in the Town of Essex itself. Volunteers for the event were also mostly from the Town of Essex. The purpose of the event was to combat childhood obesity that can lead to life long chronic and debilitating illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. The sporting event began at 9 a.m. with a swim in the Manchester Athletic Club (The MAC) pool. As most triathlons go the swim was followed by a bike and finished with a run outside on the grounds of the MAC. By 11 a.m.
the entire field of competitors were finished, had red, white and blue ribbons with a gold medallion around their necks just for finishing. Food followed and there was plenty to eat. As they headed over to grab a bag of popcorn, listen to the sounds of DJ Noah and get ready for lunch of Monsoon Indian Food, Kayem Hot Dogs with all the fixings donated by the MAC, lemonade, and fruit dessert donated by The Common Crow. The awards ceremony followed giving out first, second and third place finisher trophies to each age category plus a Para-athlete category. Photos were taken by Capstone Photography of all
the participants as they crossed the finish line and also one for each 1, 2, and 3rd place finishers during the awards ceremony. Timing results will be posted on the Essex Board of Health web site at www.essexma.org. Timing was done by the Mike Paige Timing Company. There were also many door-prizes that were given away to the children who participated in the event. The top prizes were a box seat tickets to the 2010 Red Sox Season, a 1 hour helicopter ride for 2, and an autographed photograph of Papelbon of the Red Sox. What made us most proud was hearing Nan Gorton, from HillTop Training, say to the young crowd during the pre-race meeting that this was a unique event for children right here on Cape Ann. Most tri-athletes, as Nan recalled her own training and competitive events, begin after college. Here these children are having their first experience in a triathlon already at the tender age of 5 or 6! "So, you're way ahead of me already!", said Nan. Parent comment on the first annual Essex Youth Triathlon 2009: "...what a wonderful event this was. My two children (ages 6 and 7) had a great time and will remember their participation for a long time. As a parent, I had expectations that with the number of kids and parents that it would be chaos, but it was well organized and well staffed. The many, many volunteers made a huge difference. The MAC was a great facility." "My kids are already talking about next year; we hope that there will be a 2nd Triathlon." Thanks again, A Mom from Manchester-By-The-Sea SPECIAL THANKS TO The Essex Board of Health ~ especially to Elaine Wozny who worked tirelessly on this event for 10 months! Also, Ann White, Kim Paskalis, Dr. Dave Driscoll, Marlene Sanders, and Lynne Marchetti. The Manchester Athletic Club, also to John Donovan, and Keith Callahan, our heroines at HillTop Training~ Marnie Lawler, Nan Gorton. Thanks to the Manchester Police and Fire Department, Essex Police and Fire Department, Essex Department of Public Works, Kayem Foods, Monsoon Kitchens, The Common Crow, Russell Orchards, WBOQ Radio 104.9 FM, Jungle Printing, Seaside Cycle, Jim Munn- Gloucester H.S. Boys Track Team,
Gymazing at The MAC ~ especially Marcy Plante, Jen Tolo of Butterfly Wellness and the fabulous VOLUNTEERS who we cannot thank enough, and for their oversight of this event the U.S.A.T., Our Sponsors: The First National Bank of Ipswich, Northeast Health Systems, Absolute Performance P.T. , ESSEX MARINA, Fortune Palace Restaurant, Click Marketing Tools, Yankee Fleet, Essex River Basin Adventures, Advanced Educational Technologies of Essex, J.T. Farnham's, Essex River Cruises and Charters, Costello Construction and Remodeling, Inc., The Farm Restaurant, Tom Shea's Restaurant, Lake Front Productions, Covanta Energy, Northern Essex Ltd., Anonymous donor, and our material donors: Boston Red Sox, Nick's Roast Beef, Cape Ann Lanes, Lara Bars, Silly Goose Toy Store. For their help in reaching out and capturing the interest of the Cape Ann Communities in this event we would like to give thanks to the Cape Ann
Chamber of Commerce Essex Division, The Essex Merchant's Group, the Town Hall of Essex, the Manchester-Essex Regional School District, The Essex P.T.O., Beacon Press, The Gloucester Daily Times, the Mac and HillTop Training and anyone else who we would never want to forget to thank for your help and assistance in making this event a great success. One last group, last but not least: Namely the parents and the children who participated and their family members that hung around with signs and cow bells and good cheers all along the way to the finish line! You are what makes us want to race again next year! See you then! THANK YOU, Sincerely, Lynne Marchetti, Essex Board of Health Chairperosn
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The First Annual ESSEX YOUTH TRIATHLON "JUST TRI "! produced by the Essex Board of Health
WHEN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009
EVENTS ~ Swim, Run for children ages 5 -6 Swim, Bike, Run for children ages 7- 14
WHERE: ~ Manchester Athletic Club ~
Event Coordination andTraining by HillTop Training
THE ESSEX YOUTH TRIATHLON NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT! FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME AN ACTIVE SPONSOR OF THIS EVENT CALL THE ESSEX BOARD OF HEALTH at  978 768 7614
WE NEED YOU: Donation of Raffle items ~ Volunteer ~ Sponsorship Opportunities
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We had a successful Triathlon and Bike Safety Clinic put on by HillTop Training and Seaside Cycle at the Manchester Athletic Club on Sept. 19. Approximatly 40 children of all ages participated! Join the fun today by registering to be a part of this exciting Triathlon event!
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