NYRR Sprint Triathlon

August 23, 2009 [Story] [Video] [Results]

The inaugural NYRR Sprint Triathlon in Queens was a huge success for folks willing to try swimming, biking, and running for the first time, as well as for more seasoned triathletes. The finishers—all 368—had the opportunity to experience the nearly brand-new Aquatic Center and all that Flushing Meadows Corona Park has to offer.
Hundreds of eager triathletes lined up according to their estimated finish time—many of whom participated in their first three-sport race.	The swimmers—wearing red NYRR caps—created an energetic atmosphere at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center.	Four hundred meters in the Olympic-size pool was the first conquest of the day.	Armed with goggles and confidence, swimmers entered the pool one at a time.
Spectators lined the stands above the pool deck to cheer for family and friends.	Participants snaked up and down eight of the 10 lanes to complete the swim.	When competitors exited the pool, they were 1/3 done and ready to ride.	Leaving the Aquatic Center for the transition area, this competitor was ahead of the curve.
The grassy transition area held everything participants would need to race.	The first transition required walking the bike to the mount line to start the 10-mile bike.	Cyclists whizzed past the Unisphere, a symbol of Queens history and pride.	The Arthur Ashe stadium at the USTA National Tennis Center was a prominent landmark on the course.
Cyclists safely passed one another on the left side and then moved to the right to continue racing.	A beautiful course through Flushing Meadows Corona Park didn’t disappoint.	Participants dismounted to enter the transition area and leave their bikes behind for the final leg of the race: the run.	Although transition times varied, each triathlete moved as fast as possible to start the 5K.
Runners started their watches to keep on track for the final loop.	The course was filled with encouraging competition, but not so crowded that it would subtract from the experience.	Runners and cyclists stuck to their own paths, passing other competitors on different legs of the course.	The final loop to the finish line was a welcome sight.
Athletes of all ages and abilities competed on even turf.	The full day’s efforts made the straightaway sprint to the finish very rewarding.	Race winners, Arthur Moore, 54:55, and Nicole Sin Quee, 59:51, were thrilled to accept their awards.	The winning team—Brickwell Multisport—finished in 56:32; almost eight minutes ahead of the next-best relay team.