Olympic athlete, trainer start city's first triathlon

Marlborough - Last-minute details are underway as the city prepares for 600 professional and amateur athletes to take to the streets Sunday July 26 in Marlborough’s first triathlon. The race, which is hoped to become an annual event, was cofounded by Olympic triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker and his trainer, Marlborough resident Tim Crowley.

     Crowley explained that he moved to the city 17 years ago because of the races that the area once hosted, and he was excited by the opportunity of starting a triathlon at home. Designed by Shoemaker and Crowley, the course will start and end at the Marlborough High School after looping around the city. It includes a one-third-mile swim in Fort Meadow Reservoir, a 15-mile bike ride and a 3.3-mile run.

    “A lot of people will be surprised,” Crowley said. “It is a hard race course.”

    Open to both amateurs and professionals, the race so far has about 50 Metrowest residents participating, with a quarter of the registered racers marked as first-time participants. With a few entry slots still open, Crowley explained that he is very pleased with the response, especially in light of the difficult economic climate. 

    Proceeds go to both Children’s Hospital Boston and the Marlborough Public School Education Foundation (MPSEF). Crowley said that it was important to both him and Shoemaker to benefit something locally. MPSEF President Martin Levins said that the organization, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the local schools, was delighted to be involved in such a large event.

    Providing volunteers and concession stands for the day of the event, Levins said that each concession stand is being manned and run by parents of kids in the city’s schools. With a wide menu of snacks and meals being planned by several schools, including Immaculate Conception, Jaworek and Kane, all of the proceeds will go directly back to the individual schools.

    “This is going to be a significant event. Spectators will get to come and see elite athletes,” Levins said. “I encourage spectators to come down and enjoy the morning.”

   Pleased to see an event of this magnitude come to Marlborough, Levins pointed out the positive impact that this will have on the local businesses, including hotels and restaurants. There is a long list of elite athletes flying in with their trainers, friends and families, he said, which makes this is great for the city.

    Crowley was equally optimistic about the impact the event would have on local businesses.

    Crowley was specifically grateful for the cooperation of Police Chief Mark Leonard and Department of Public Works Director Ronald LaFreniere while organizing the logistics of the event.

     For more information on how to get involved as a volunteer, competitor or spectator, visit the website at www.marlboroughtri.com. The race kicks off at 9 a.m.