Nicole Pisani, one of the race directors, for Tri-Maine.
The fourth annual Urban Epic Triathlon takes place tomorrow, Saturday, July 10th. Athletes will gather at East End Beach to compete in the l/2 mile swim, 13-mile bike and 3.7- mile run event. Four hundred athletes are signed up for the event.
For the second straight year, the finish willl be located on the Maine State Pier that will be followed by a post-race festival including a Smuttynose Beer Garden, live music, local food and retail vendors. The spectator-friendly festival is free and open to the public. The festival will start at 1: pm.
The Urban Epic Triathlon will begin at 8:30 am at East End beach with a l/2 mile-point-to-point swim in Casco Bay. Racers will then run a l/2 mile to the main transition area located inside Portland Yacht Services at 58 Fore Street before embarking on a 13-mile bike ride. The bike portion will take them up to the Eastern Promenade and down to Baxter Boulevard for two loops before heading back to the transition area. Triathletes will complete the race with a 3.7 point-to-point run along the Eastern Promenade and will finish on the Maine State Pier.
Sixty-three percent of the athletes hail from Maine, while the other 37 percent will be traveling from 16 different states. Athletes complete both individually and in relay teams, ranging in ability from first-timers to seasoned pros.
To provide safety and consideration of athletes and volunteers, certain roads will be closed the morning of the race – including part of the Eastern Prom. For more details, please contact Erik Boucher at erik@tri-maine.com or 207 – 221-5420 x2.