New York Toughman Triathlon Raises Funds to Remember 9/11

More than 1,000 competitors will take part in the event.

Written by: Cielestia Calbay

When the Toughman Half Iron Distance Triathlon launched in 2008, it only had 100 competitors. Now in its fourth year, race director Rich Izzo expects more than 1,000 to compete in the event in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., which will be held on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. To commemorate the day, the race will donate a portion of every entry to build a memorial on the banks of the Hudson River to honor the victims who were lost at Ground Zero.

The idea to dedicate the race to 9/11 was influenced by Janet Mainiero, a New York City resident who in 2009, had heard the New York Port Authority would give away steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center towers to groups that would build memorials.

Leo Wiegman, the mayor of Croton, introduced Izzo to Mainiero and the two collaborated on the project that involved the Toughman Triathlon’s integral role in building awareness around the memorial.

“It will be a big deal here in the New York area because it will directly impact those who lost loved ones in 9/11,” said Paul Tyler, communications representative for the race.

It took Mainiero , who is now the project director of the Buchanan/Cortland/Croton-on-Hudson 9/11 Remembrance Memorial, nearly two years to get the steel from the Port Authority.

There will be a PowerBar Training Clinic and course preview on Aug. 20 and 21.

Registration for the race is currently open online at www.toughmantri.com. Entry fees will include a performance wick race shirt, race day parking, post-race barbecue, swim cap, finisher’s medal, timing chip rental with five splits and goody bag.

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