Westborough Triathlon Following a Trend

Just swimming and running, and skipping the biking, will be a new option at the upcoming Rotary Club of Westborough triathlon.

The Rotarians are following a trend.

"One of the things that's happening in this 'triathlon arena' is they're becoming more than just triathlons," Rotarian and committee member Bill Domings said.

"There are some that have a kayak. They're intending to become multi-event, rather than just do a triathlon."

The 4th Annual Westborough Sprint Triathlon starts at 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 18 at Westborough State Hospital, off Lyman Street.

The Rotary is partnering with Sun Multisport Events and the Central One Federal Credit Union on the fundraiser. Part of each registration fee will be donated to the American Diabetes Association. Registration fee information can be found here. 

Pre-registration was "ahead of last year's pace” as of late last week, Domings said.

The 2012 triathlon drew about 370 entrants, he said. Organizers hope for 425 to 450 this year.

"We've grown every year,” Domings said. 

“It's an event that's gaining recognition in the racing community. It's a great location.”

“(At) some of these (other triathlons), the runners are running through downtown areas -- a lot of traffic, a lot of busy-ness. A lot of our event is at the state hospital. It's kind of in a nice, wooded setting."

"The splash and dash is good for the people that don't have a bike, or aren't good on a bike,” Domings said.

An “off-road triathlon” is the other new option, geared toward "those people that prefer that kind of biking,” he said.

These entrants will do a five- to six-mile off-road bike course on the trails around the lake, rather than the main bike route. 

Teams can enter the triathlon as well, Domings noted.

Volunteers are needed for the event, Domings added. Interested community members should e-mail Jim O’Connor at jo72149@verizon.net.