Lowell, Massachusetts: A Triathlon Mecca in August
While the words “Lowell” and “triathlon” typically are not uttered in the same sentence, each year on a single day in August Lowell plays hosts to two of triathlons best kept secrets: The Lowell YMCA Triathlon and the Wildcat Sprint Triathlon.
Set in the beautifully refurbished waterfront area of Lowell, these races run concurrently at Rynne Park. With its 8:00 AM start time, the Olympic distance Lowell YMCA Triathlon event is well under way by the time the Wildcat Sprint Triathlon starts at 9:00 AM. The swim for each race takes place in the Merrimac River. The placid water at this beach is like swimming in some of the nicer lakes on the Massachusetts triathlon circuit.
The bike course has been described by a number of athletes as being their absolute favorite bike course in the FIRM race series. It's an eleven mile fairly flat loop on beautiful roads that make you feel you are in a rural setting. Athletes competing in the Olympic distance event complete two loops while the sprint athletes complete one. Quadmultisport will provide support along the bicycle course.
The run is a flat, straight out and back—six miles for the Olympic distance event, and half that for the sprint race. Then it’s under the giant FIRM finish line banner and on to the festivities. The location of these races is ideal for hanging out, enjoying some delicious foods, listening to live music, and taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant waterfront area.
Both races are part of the FIRM Grand Prix Series presented by Fuel Belt and Guru which means that the top five finishers in all categories earn grand prix points. Also the top five finishers in each category for both races earn double points towards the grand prize drawing for the custom, carbon fiber Guru bicycle frame (retail value $4600). For every point you earn during the season, you receive one entry into the drawing for the Guru bicycle frame. The winner’s name will be drawn at the FIRM Grand Prix awards banquet after the TDD Duathlon on September 21, 2008. The person whose name is drawn must be present at the awards banquet to win the bicycle frame.
Last year some triathletes chose to participate in both Lowell races—competing as a swimmer in a relay during the Lowell YMCA Triathlon and then about thirty minutes later as an individual in the Wildcat Sprint Triathlon. The extremes some racers will go to for grand prix points and bragging rights!
Be sure to put one (or both) of these Lowell races on your 2008 race schedule.
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