The 39th Annual YMCA Sprint Triathlon at Green Lakes was held on June 9th and 8k Trail Race on Sunday, June 10th. Hundreds of participants, including new and seasoned athletes, in addition to cancer survivors of all ages, swam, biked and ran their way through the park to support the YMCA.
For the first time in the history of the Sprint Triathlon, a female athlete took 1st place overall. Kerzia Marchant, a YMCA member from Liverpool finished with an overall time of 1:02:16. Her blistering pace edged out both Michael Harris & Jonathan Duddleston for the top spot on the podium.
Mike Young won Sunday’s 8k Trail Race with a time of 33:12, with Abe Gnann and Mark Vaccaro finishing second and third. Jennifer Wood, the top female finisher, came in fourth with a time of 36:88.
Each year, the YMCA Race Weekend raises over $20,000 to support our programs, helping the Y provide cancer survivors with a 12-week group exercise and support program. Our cancer survivor program serves an average of 100 participants per year. Aspects of the program include free Y membership for three months, restorative yoga, and free childcare at the Y for when participants need to go to medical appointments.
“This is a great local race that supports an important cause,” said Race Director Jennifer Hughes. “We are thankful for the support of the volunteers and sponsors that help make this YMCA Race Weekend possible.”
Sponsors for the event include Bond, Schoeneck & King, The Digital Hyve, Wegmans, Hancock Estabrook, LLP, The Hayner-Hoyt Corporation, Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York, Welch Allyn, Geddes Federal Savings & Loan Association, Syracuse Bicycle and Syracuse Fitness.
Photo: Kerzia Marchant crosses finish line in 2018 YMCA Race Weekend Sprint Triathlon (photo by Bob Brock)