Race Radar: Vermont’s New England TriFest

Set in the Connecticut River Valley of Vermont on beautiful Lake Fairlee, the second annual New England TriFest is already building a reputation as a well-organized event in the heart of New England. Last year, Triathlon Business International awarded the race’s organizer, Sun Multisport Events, with a “Triathlete’s Choice” award for Best Race Series for its triathlon events, based on an online survey of triathletes. Last year’s racers were impressed by the attention to detail, such as live music, vegetarian options, bike mechanics on site, ice baths at the finish line, complimentary post-race massage, friendly customer service and generous volunteer support.

The town of Fairlee was home to a popular Olympic-distance triathlon in the 1990s and early 2000s at nearby Lake Morey. The new venue and freshly paved roads helped bring the triathlon back to the area. “The course is awesome!” owner and race director Mark Walter says. “The swim is in pristine Lake Fairlee, the bike goes past farms, rivers, through a covered bridge and includes a pretty epic 2.7-mile climb (and an equally epic 2-mile descent), and the run is along a rural country road.”

Draws to the 2014 race include venue convenience (easy parking and transition set-up); it makes for a great summer, family-friendly destination; the expo features “made in Vermont” local businesses; and the half-iron race can serve as a great tune-up for Ironman Lake Placid, which takes place four weeks later. Walter expects about 500 athletes for the 2014 race.

Other events in the series include the Patriot Half (East Freetown, Mass.), Whaling City Triathlon (New Bedford, Mass.), Mad River Endurafest (Waterville Valley, N.H.), Westborough Sprint Triathlon (Westborough, Mass.) and Cranberry TriFest (Lakeville, Mass.).

Here’s a short promo video for the 2014 race.

Details
What: New England TriFest
Where: Fairlee, Vt.
When: June 28-29, 2014
Distance: Olympic, half-iron and kids’ duathlon
Website: www.Sunmultisportevents.com