Great Day for the Triathlon

**Fri: Opening**Berry Bon Bon Frozen Yogurt Shop & Cafe**412 Washington Street**

**TODAY Thu: "America in Bloom" meeting**VFW**7:30**All Welcome**

***TODAY Thu: Art Saves Lives***High School***4-8pm***See below***

**TODAY Thu: Holliston Community Jazz Night**Upper Town Hall**7-11pm**

**Sun: Community Mulch Spreading Day**Goodwill Park Playground**9am-3pm**

***Sun: Newcomers 10K Road Race**Holliston High**9am***

by Bill Tobin 6/26/11

The weather cooperated as the Lions Club held its 22nd annual Triathlon.

Swim, bike and run--- 135 athletes from all over did just that in Holliston on Sunday.

The Holliston Lions Club sponsored its 22nd annual Triathlon on Sunday at Stoddard Park directed by Jaimie Holland and John Paltrineri.

The day began with a swim in Lake Winthrop out to a floating marker and then returning to the shore, a total one-quarter mile swim.

There were several canoes and rafts with Lions aboard ready to assist any swmmer in need.

The swimmers then immediatly began the ten-mile bike ride. All participants wear electonic chips that record time elapsed in the swim, followed by the bike ride and then the run portion in order to correctly identify the winner in each category.

The bikers proceed up Norfolk Street right onto Hill Street , then right onto Highland down to Washinton Street, right on Central and a right turn back onto Norfolk. This is the first lap, five miles. The second lap repeats the route and will teriminate at Stoddard Park for the total ten-mile bike ride.

Members and friends of the Lions Club provided safey and directions to the bikers and runners. Sixty-five volunteers made this event a success.

But wait, they can not agree on how to get there, John Cronin and John Shannahan seem to have a problem.

Along the route, the Lions set up refreshment posts for the athletes.

Following the ten-mile bike ride, a three-mile run was next on the agenda. The bikes were abandoned at Stoddard, and the athletes took to the road, again onto Norfolk Street, towards Medway, and right onto Hll Street. This time they ran about half way down Hill Street, reversed direction and returned to Stoddard.

The Holliston Police provided a safe route for the racers. (above) Peter B. shows his appreciation to Joe Cibotti for his contribution.

The finish line is now a reality.

Once they cross the finish line, the chips are removed and the time is calculated.

Along the way, there are are supporters for dads, and a hug when it is over.

Tony DeLogne, from Dedham was #1 in his category, males 35-39 and #1 overall, total event time 50.24 minutes. Number two award went to Philp Shaw of Lowell, who was #1 in category males 25-29 and #2 overall, total time 50.29 minutes. Vinny Johnson of N.Berwick, Maine, was #3 with a total time of 50.34 minutes.

The winners are announced in each category and presented a medal by King Lion, Peter Barbieri. There were 135 entrants in total, coming from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Florida. Eight Holliston residents participated in the Triathlon this year.