Feature Article August 28, 2002
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The Sharbot Lake Triathlonby David BrisonFor years the Sharbot Lake Triathlon was held every summer at the Oso beach, and was run by many volunteers from the community. It eventually was cancelled when a group scheduled a triathlon in Kingston on the same day. Last year the Sharbot Lake Tri, which had been made famous by Olympic winner Simon Whitfield, was revived.
This year it was held again, and attracted 110 entries in the main event on Saturday, which has been expanded this year to the new Olympic distances (swim - 1.5 km, bike 40 km, and run 10 km). The mens category main event was won by Ian Fraser, who was about 200 metres ahead of the second place finisher. Julie Curwin of Kingston was the first woman to complete the race and she was also substantially ahead of the next woman. Rudy Hollywood competed with the original number 1 that he wore in the first Sharbot Lake triathlon.
A first-timers event, for those who had never entered a triathlon, was also held on Saturday. This event is not timed and is designed to teach newcomers some of the intricacies of the event such as the transition from the swim to bike, and bike to running. Approximately 60 entered this event.
On Sunday, race director Rick Hellard reintroduced the childrens triathlon, which had been a regular part of the Sharbot Lake Triathlon when it was run by local race organizers. Last year when the triathlons revival, the childrens event was not held. The Sharbot Lake kids triathlon was where Simon Whitfield got his start, and he mentioned that right after his victory in Sydney. Prior to last years tri a plaque was dedicated to Simon and placed at the Sharbot Lake beach.
One hundred and seventy five kids entered the events on Sunday. The childrens triathlon is part of an Eastern Ontario series kids accumulate points towards provincial competitions. There didnt appear to be many local children, but it was hard to keep track, and some were undoubtedly missed. Joan Hollywood, who along with husband Rudy has been active in the organization of the event since its inception, reported that a number of children who are cottaging in the area had entered. One local child who did participate was Jacob Harvey, 9, from Verona, the grandchild of Dawn and David Hansen and Bob and Toots Harvey.
Joan, who officiated both days, reported that there was an injury in the kids event on Sunday. A girl who was competing in the 14-15 category touched the wheel of the bike in front of her and was thrown to the pavement. She was treated by paramedics and was not badly injured.
