July 9
Even an optimist like me thought there was a pretty low chance we’d be able to have a full swim-bike-run triathlon with the forecasted storms. But the rain took a break, there was no thunder, and so the race was on!
Congratulations to all who completed their first season of triathlons at Elmore this year. I wish I had a complete count of all who did their 1st triathlon in Elmore in the last 20 years. It is great to see so many people take on a new challenge and complete it with pride! A total of 55 people, including 7 youth racers participated in 2026. 7 folks: Becca, Mikey, Chad, Jess, Adam, Mackinley, and Kim completed all 3 events this year. Special congratulations to Kim and Mackinley who did their very first triathlons on June 11 and stuck with it all season!
After 12 straight wins from 2022-2026, Lance Parker was on the Long Trail attempting a FKT this week, which allowed a changing of the guard. Becca Kuss placed 1st as both overall and female winner. Congrats Becca! 2 unrelated Shaffers, Chris and Mackinley, followed as the top male racers. Congratulations also to our youth racers, Martin Reichel and Brett Bailey who raced the youth distance with their parents.
Once again, I am indebted to the volunteers who allow this event to go on. This week, Chris Andresen provided much needed safety on the water, Dot Helling, Ryan Hulbert and Jessica Bailey did timing, while Eric Ryea and John Bonneville supported cyclists’ safety and picked up the pizza. Events always need volunteers, so I encourage everyone who races to volunteer at another running or triathlon event! I also want to thank our partners: Green Mountain Multisport provided special goodies including commemorative race belts; Central Vermont Runners graciously allows us to borrow the timing equipment, signs, and cones; and Elmore State Park with the VT Dept of Forest Parks and Recreation issues our permit and provides an excellent venue.
I’m looking forward to our 21st season in 2027!
June 25
The rain held off and the fierce south wind calmed down to allow a pleasant evening for a triathlon. 29 participants including several 1st time triathletes completed the course that was modified due to construction on the bike route. In true Elmore Tri fashion, we also had a couple of aquabike racers and a duathlete!
With a shortened bike of 6.4 miles, everyone seemed to set a PR even though the swim was apparently about 45-60 seconds longer than June 11. The quick bike made for a busy transition area and finish line! Lance Parker was 1st once again, while Becca Kuss moved up to 1st F and 2nd OA. Noah Amore returned from 2025 as a fast youth athlete, finishing 2nd M followed by Chris Shaffer, former RD of the Newport Triathlon (we miss it!). Erin Fisher and Doreen Audette rounded out the top 3 women.
As always, the volunteers were unbelievably helpful. Jana and Gene kept everyone safe after they straightened out the swim course line and set the buoys. Dennis and Dot helped tremendously at registration and timing. And Woodie and Eric manned the new confusing bike turnarounds. I am always grateful for the volunteers that allow this event to happen!
Here are the Results from June 25
June 11
A warm humid evening welcomed triathletes for the 1st Elmore Practice Triathlon of 2026. There were 26 total participants with 2 kids and 3 parents doing the youth distance while all others completed the full swim-bike-run event. Lance Parker continued his streak from last year, winning once again, while the women’s field saw some new talent. Amanda Martin finished 1st F, 2nd overall, with an excellent time of 54:55. She was followed by Becca Kuss and Ruby Bryant for 3rd and 4th overall. Dustin Rand and Craig Partin followed closely behind the top 3 women for 2nd and 3rd males.
Callie Cohen and Fiona Owens completed excellent triathlons in the youth distance. They look like rising stars for triathlon!
Once again, there were many 1st time triathletes in the field. Congratulations to all!