Getco Company Organizes the Inaugural Smith Point Triathlon

Smith Point, NY, August 11, 2010 --(PR.com)-- On a beautiful August morning, under a clear dark sky and a new moon, 550 racers began entering the immaculate Smith Point County Park at 5:00AM. The transition area was a buzz with activity as Suffolk County Legislators Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) as well as Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko (D) said some words of encouragement to the athletes. Father Gregory Yacyshyn of St Jude Roman Catholic Church in Mastic Beach said a blessing for the event and 10 year old Shelby Piccinic played the National Anthem on her clarinet under a huge American flag held together by the Mastic Beach and Brookhaven Fire Departments' ladder trucks. As the adrenaline surged, you could feel the positive energy climbing as Race Director Reuben Kline gave the race briefing.

At 6:50AM four waves of racers began the triathlon with a 500-meter Narrow Bay swim just east of the Smith Point Bridge. The swim was followed by a flat 12-mile bike ride over the Smith Point Bridge to just past the entrance of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge and back. The race concluded with a scenic 3.1-mile run over the bridge which ended at the start before a huge crowd of cheering spectators. Jimmy Byrne of Bellport with a time of 55:38 won the race overall. Christie O'Hara of Montauk won the overall women with a time of 1:07:24. Christopher Defeo of the Suffolk County Police Department won the Civic Challenge, a special category just for public servants and military, with a time of 1:07:21.

"The peninsula had triathlon fever! We can't wait to do it again next year," cheered Steve Tarpinian of Event Power. “By focusing on health and fitness through the safe and fair conduct of races, we place a strong emphasis on ‘Empowering Yourself’ through the completion of a triathlon. We not only raise money and awareness through our Long Island Triathlon Tour races, but we foster the opportunity for the average Long Islander to make incremental health goals, which creates a stronger Long Island.”

“The race showcases the beauty and amenities of this community and Smith Point County Park,” stated Legislator Kate Browning. “The citizens of this outstanding community have always known this area to be a diamond-in-the-rough, and this race highlights our beautiful neighborhoods and waterfront views. I am proud to be part of bringing this event to our area.” Kate Browning's office was the liason to all the government agencies, emergency services and the triathlon company.

The Town of Brookhaven was an Executive Sponsor of the event, and was instrumental in making this race a success. Other sponsors included: PODS, Tri-Guy, The Beach-Hut, and the Mastic Beach Property Owners Association who generously threw a pasta dinner for the athletes and the community the night before the race and arranged for the athletes to pick up their packets at MBPOA Marina 1 on Saturday August 7th in Mastic Beach.

"There were many hurdles to overcome to make this race a reality, the local civics, the Town, the County, and the Federal Government all worked together in harmony. I cannot express how helpful and receptive all the governmental agencies, and the community as a whole, were towards this race," said Maureen Getchell of Getco Company, local resident and Race Organizer. "We said, 'This is a race designed to get Long Islanders healthy and our beneficiaries are the Wounded Warrior Project as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation' and everyone said, 'How can we help'."

“We focused on generating funds for research and local community outreach through race sponsorship. We want all Long Islanders to become active participants in reinvigorating the peninsula’s physical and economic potency,” said Shawn Getchell, Getco Company. "Our local beneficiaries include: J.V. Kavanaugh Columbiettes, Yuma Sports, Colonial Youth, the Mastic Beach Fire Department, the Brookhaven Fire Department, Mastic Beach Ambulance Company, the Shirley Ambulance Company and the Cub Scouts all who volunteered to make this race day a success."

The community came out in droves to support the race. Amongst the athletes, the race received nothing but positive feedback. Many veterans said the Smith Point Tri was one of the best sprint races in the Northeast. Many first-timers said they would definitely do it again.

"For an inaugural event, we couldn't have asked for more! This race was hands-down the best race I have attended," said athlete Rachael Dineen. "With ample parking, the allure of a post-race ocean beach day and a killer raffle, this race will be considered a 'must-do' for athletes of all abilities. It could be the biggest race on Long Island!"

The inaugural Smith Point Triathlon was held on August 8th, 2010 at Smith Point County Park.

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