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11/26/2018 11:00 PMEvery year in the town of Chester, there’s a summer tradition unlike any other on the Connecticut shore as runners, swimmers, and bikers of all abilities, push themselves to the limit during the Cedar Lake Tri Series.
Every other Thursday evening from the Thursday after Memorial Day to the mid August
anyone from first timers to elite triathletes, can pull on their swimsuit, jump on their bike, and lace up their sneakers for a solo relay or a group relay with friends and family.
The race consists of a 500 yard swim in Cedar Lake; a 10 mile bike loop with a mix of flats, descents, and rolling hills; and an out and back, flat 5k course on Cedar Lake Road.
This tri series has been put in place to inspire community health and involvement. This past summer, proceeds from these events benefited the Valley Shore YMCA Race4Chase Youth Triathlon Training Program, named after Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski who lost his life in the Newtown shooting at Sandy Hook. His parents started a foundation for kids to learn the sport of triathlon.
The Race4Chase program is a youth triathlon program aimed to provide kids aged 6 to 12 years with a free, safe, healthy non-competitive environment to discover the sport of triathlon. It brings together kids from all different backgrounds and educates them on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, coaches them to develop a foundation of athletic skills, and inspires them to aim high in sports and in life. “The Valley Shore Y is proud to offer Race4Chase at our location and join over 500 kids from the State of Connecticut as they train, learn confidence and how to support one another each summer. Our local group was able to happen this year due to the partnership with the Cedar Lake Tri Series,” comments Chris Pallatto, Executive Director of the Valley Shore YMCA. Learn more about the foundation at cmakfoundation.org.
The tri series would not be possible without the support of the Town of Chester, town police and the Chester Hose Company helping ensure safety. This year, the Cedar Lake Tri Series has also made a donation to the Town of Chester in a show of appreciation of its support and to support the Cedar Lake weed control project. “The Town of Chester, Fire Hose Company and the local and state police, are incredible partners. Without their continued support and concern for the well-being of Cedar Lake, our tri series would not be successful. Myself and all the triathletes are truly grateful for all that they do to keep everyone safe”, remarks JD Ingalls, race director of the Cedar Lake Tri Series.