By Carol McCracken (Post # 518)

Four hundred athletes from ages 15 years old to over 70 years old out swam, ran and biked the rain drops to compete in the fourth annual Urban Epic Triathlon held on the Hill this morning. The noon awards ceremony scheduled at the Maine State Pier had to be moved indoors to Portland Yacht Services.

One of the participants was Lou Falani, who works for Primitive Skills in Augusta, an outdoors survival school. Falani couldn’t say “enough about the staff. They did an awesome job,” he said. With him was Carolyn Lacerte, South Portland.

The youngest participant in the triatholon was 15 year old Nolan Morris, Cape Elizabeth. Already an accomplished athlete, this was Nolan’s first triatholon. “It was fun,” he said. “It was intimidating seeing all the older athletes. I’ll be back next year,” he said. Although he was not swum before, that turned out to be his favorite part of the event. He took first place in his age group. His dad, Jim, was a proud onlooker.

Another proud parent was State Senator Barry J. Hobbins, District 5. He watched his daughter, Delia, win her second place award in her age category; 20 – 24 years. Delia won 29th overall in the women’s competition.

Will Thomas, one of the three race directors, is a resident of the Hill.

Please visit post # 517, dated July 9, for more background information.