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Triathlon

Lake George Regional Park sprint triathlon honours 911 tragedy victims

Organizers of the fourth annual Lake George Regional Park sprint triathlon on Sunday will honour local first responders and commemorate victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in ceremonies before the race.

“All of our fire departments, Skowhegan police, Somerset County sheriffs, all the EMS services in the area — they are all taking a part in this triathlon this year,” said Race Director Kelly Coughlin.

Lake George Regional Park triathlon will honour the victims of the 911 tragedy.
Lake George Regional Park triathlon will honour the victims of the 911 tragedy.

“Police are doing traffic control for the bike and run course. Both fire departments — Canaan and Skowhegan — will be out on the water with boats doing swim safety.”

Derek Ellis, the park resource manager, and Bob McGourty, the park’s director, said there will be more than 100 race participants and by the end of the day, close to 1,000 volunteers and spectators.

The race also is sanctioned officially by USA Triathlon, the sport’s governing body, through which members accumulate points for national ranking.

Participants will swim from the east side of the park, on the Canaan/Skowhegan town line, to the west side of the lake — about 500 meters, continue to cycle across 14.5 miles (23km) to Somerset Sports, and run another 3.6 miles (5.7km) into Skowhegan and back.

The top four men, top four women and top four teams will receive 9/11 commemorative canoe paddles bearing the words “We Will Never Forget,” in memory of the people who died in the attacks 15 years ago.

Read more on CentralMaine.