One of Long Island’s most important and exciting recreational sporting events will coming to Oyster Bay once again on Sunday, Aug. 28, the 24th annual Runner’s Edge – Town of Oyster Bay (TOB) Triathlon.
Nearly 1,500 athletes will be doing a half mile swim in Oyster Bay Harbor, followed by a 15K bike ride through Oyster Bay, Oyster Bay Cove and Laurel Hollow, and finishing up with a 5K run up to the Planting Fields Arboretum and back to the finish line at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. The first wave of athletes will enter the water at 7:30 a.m.
The Triathlon is conducted under the auspices of the Town of Oyster Bay and its Department of Parks and Recreation, with TOBAY Recreation Supervisor Diane Ramos serving as the Town’s liaison to the event. The Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC) supplies event management, with GLIRC’s Jose Lopez and Ray Farrell serving as the event codirectors, and Linda Ottaviano and Mindy Davidson serving as event coordinators.
Proceeds of the event will be distributed to the Long Island Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to the Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay.
You are also invited to go a step further and help out at Roosevelt Park as a volunteer, doing such things as helping with water, food, or even giving out medals to the finishers. All volunteers will get a free commemorative shirt. Call Coordinator of Volunteers Mindy Davidson at (516) 349-7646.
The preceding day, August 27, 250 youngsters between the ages of 8 and 13 will be competing in the 7th annual Runner’s Edge-Town of Oyster Bay Junior Triathlon, consisting of a 200-yard swim in the Harbor, a 2.5-mile bike ride and a 1-mile run, all entirely within the confines of the park. Registration for the Junior Triathlon is still open. The entry fee is $25 with advance sign up, and only $30 on the day of the event. You can register the kids at glirc.org or call Linda at (516) 349-7646.
A Pasta Party for all the athletes, co-hosted by Oyster Bay’s North Shore Assembly of God and Café Al Dente of Oyster Bay, will precede this year’s event.
