Cohasset Triathlon attracts large elite field
Posted Friday, 20 June, 2008
Cohasset, Massachusetts – In only its 2nd year, the Cohasset Triathlon was sold out six months before the event and the waiting list is 156 people long. The tri, which will take place Saturday, June 29 in the small quintessential New England town of Cohasset, Mass. was the most unlikely, yet ideal location for a multi-sport event.
This sprint distance triathlon has attracted 875 athletes from 15 different states. And new for this 2nd year is the participation of thirty six ranked elite athletes including: Jarrod Shoemaker, US 2008 Olympic Team member; Dede Griesbauer, Top American Woman at the 2007 Ironman World Championships; and Karen Smyers, three-time triathlon World Champion.
“I’m excited to race the Cohasset Triathlon. I enjoy racing local races and meeting local athletes. Bill puts on a great race and it should be a fun day for all of us,” said Jarrod Shoemaker.
In addition to a full participant roster, this small town race also has the backing of big name national sponsors like Dunkin’ Donuts, Nike and O Water.
“The exciting part about this event is how quickly it grew in terms of participation and sponsorship in only our second year,” says Bill Burnett, founder of the event. “We are honored to host some really big names in the sport who are coming here to compete.”
There have already been two very successful pre-event clinics. The first was hosted by Karen Smyers and Dede Griesbauer at the Red Lion Inn in Cohasset. All athletes were invited to come learn more about the race, and for many first timers it was an opportunity to ask questions. Two weeks ago a Transition Clinic was held at the actual start/finish of the race on Sandy Beach in Cohasset.
“Burnett and his event coordinators are doing a world class job informing and preparing the athletes about what to expect on race day,” says Rob Simms, a Cohasset Tri participant.
The Cohasset Triathlon is a great event that is also doing great things. The race is expected to raise more than $160,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure for Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes and its life threatening complications.
“By bringing a Triathlon to this part of Massachusetts I think we’ve introduced people to the sport for the first time who are now hooked on multi-sport,” says Burnett. “And I’m so proud of my town…the local merchants, the Sandy Beach Association, and all the residents have really embraced this event. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Athletes can look forward to a beautiful, scenic course that is coupled with small town kindness and lots of local spectators cheering the athletes towards the finish line. For more information visit www.cohassetri.com
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