Participant Testimonies
Had a great time today, although I wasn't thinking it at the time. Great Job to all the volunteers and
thanks for making it all possible.
Here is my race report:
Swim: Hard...sunny.
Bike: Hard. If there was a softball game at the Weston field, I would have stopped for beer. Alas, it
was 8:30 am. Was tempted to take a left at the 4-way stop in Weston. Call the Army Corps of Engineers
to take care of that hill into Nuremberg, could you please?
Run: Hard. If there wasn't the bike it would have been sort of okay, but it wasn't like that.
Hotdogs were great and the cake was awesome. I am intimidated by the guy in charge of transition.
I will never cross him, ever. I will never try to steal Jeff Miller's bike again, either.
Thanks again to everyone! It was fun, really, in a painful kind of way!
John
Thornhurst
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks to you and the great volunteers for putting on a great race. Now if we can just do
something about flattening some of those hills! It was my first triathlon and the others that I have planned will have their work cut out to
meet the standard of support and friendliness that I witnessed on Sunday. I will display my lump of coal proudly!
Ira Phoenixville, PA
Thanks for putting on such a wonderful race. Everything was extremely well organized.
It was my first Olympic distance Tri and it was one of the toughest courses I've ever done.
The volunteers were the best. Very friendly and encouraging on such a challenging course.
I also think that spilled over onto the participants because even they seemed friendlier than some of the
larger tri's I've done.
Although the run course was challenging, the fact that it was mostly shaded was a real treat.
Please don't ever change it.
I also thought it was really great that the clock kept ticking and there were support people
out there until everyone crossed the finish line. It's a shame that some races turn the clock
off and close the course before everyone finishes. Even though the top finisher's are awe
inspiring in their athletic abilities, it's the people who persevere just to finish, in any amount
of time that are the most encouraging and inspirational to a mid packer like myself.
The food and DJ were great. Nice touch.
Great race. Definitely worth leaving my house in central jersey at 4:00 am (on 2 1/2 hrs sleep)
to get there for the start.
Hope to be back again next year.
Rich
Somerset, NJ
Thanks for putting on a great race. I was extremely impressed with the number and quality
of volunteers. They did a superb job at all the intersections on the bike. I also appreciated
that you held up the race until the fog lifted for safety rather than just starting.
This was my first Olympic distance and now that I've recovered, I'm planning for next year.
I never saw ages written on the back of the leg before and I really liked that idea.
(Even though I still knew I could not catch that guy that passed me in my group)
Mike
East Windsor, NJ
Thank you for another great race - very well organized and the volunteers all over the
course were great. You've picked a great area and course lay-out - it's always fun to get
after it on those hills.
Take care and I look forward to seeing you guys next year,
Peter
Bronxville, NY
I have to say congratulations and well done. What an outstanding group of volunteers.
I have been doing triathlons since 1986 and I believe this tri was one of the best staffed
races I have done. I loved the course, especially the hills on the bike. ÖÖÖ.
I really enjoyed the event and am looking forward to next year!
Great job and thanks to all you volunteers...you make it happen!
Chris
Wrightstown, PA
Congratulations on a great race. Your volunteers did an outstanding job in making it safe
for the participants, which cannot be easy given the terrain and the technical bike course.
The weather was outstanding, the lake clean and the run was great especially the beginning
downhill part. If there was only a way you could flatten out some of those climbs! Just
kidding, anyone can race on a flat course, you have a real gem in the Anthracite.
Keep up the good work.
Howard
New Cumberland, PA
Great place !!
Great race !!
The bicycle route takes you into outer space !! (Summit Hill climb feels that way)
The run forces you into a humbling pace !!
The swim was flat which seemed out of place !!
But overall Anthracite is an Ace.
The race was very challenging, this was my first race back I have been off for 7
years, I survived but my two brothers kicked my butt, our families had a ball at
the campground and lake, we enjoyed the town, and are planning on returning next
year. Tim and Des look out!!!
The volunteers did a great job and tri ran very very smoothly. I recommend you
put mile markers every 5 miles on the bike and have more perogies post race !!
Luke
Leesburg, VA
The best race I have ever been to, wonderfully organized, cheerful, enthusiastic,
helpful volunteers. It is great that your area really gets out to support the participants.
Beautiful lake, fabulous bike course, excellent food, lovely run. It is a definite
repeater for us.
Thanks so much for the week-end!
Margaret
Middleburg, PA
I thought the race was fabulous, including the incredible venue. The volunteers did such a
great job and made it possible for me to enjoy the spectacular course without having to
worry about which way to go. Thanks again and I look forward to next summer's event.
Jim
New York, NY
Overall the race was a positive and enjoyable experience, the setting was beautiful and
the course was challenging. ÖÖÖÖÖThe swim was superb. The run was great, too. The
post-race food, etc. was great. This race should attract great athletes from the region as it is
a very challenging race! I hope I can return.
Daniel
Germantown, MD
This was my first Anthracite Triathlon and I really enjoyed it. I was amazed with
and grateful for the numerous volunteers on the bike course. The food was great. The
volunteers were happy and helpful. It was a nice park. Thanks for a great race and I
hope to see you again next year.
Martha
Lemont, PA
Thank you for an exciting event. You have chosen a venue which rivals any other. Being
in event management, I can respect the coordination and effort you must have put in getting
this event together. The support we received from the townspeople while driving the bike
course Saturday and the cheers we heard all morning Sunday has made me write in your
event to my calendar for next season.
Charles
Philadelphia, PA
It was an excellent race, I was very surprised and pleased at the number of volunteers
that were there to make sure we stayed on the right course. it seems like the whole town
must have turned out to help. after having a disappointing race in Delaware the week before
(where many of us were misdirected on the bike course causing us to miss half of it)
i was very pleased to see so many folks out ensuring that we
didn't have any problems. it was a tough course but very
enjoyable. thanks to everyone who helped - you made it a great day!
Steve Wayne, Pa
Hi! All I can say is the race is a tough one, but the people who put it on are the best! This
was my first race there and unfortunately for me, I got a flat at mile 15 but toughed it out
because I just wanted to finish the race! I was glad I did and hope to be back next year! The
course was well marked and plenty of water and people friendly! Thanks for a great day!
Lois
Merrick, NY
This was my first Triathlon and based on my experience at the Anthracite event I will be doing more
(well, at least one a year - Anthracite). I've participated in a number of different sporting events and
was very impressed with the level of organization. More importantly, I found the staff to be welcoming
and encouraging - a very important thing to an impressionable
"first timer". I also have to say that the volunteers are to be commended, they did a great job and the
sheer numbers speak volumes of their dedication to the event and its organizers.
Additionally, my support team (otherwise known as mom and dad) had a blast and felt very welcomed as well.
Thanks for a wonderful and challenging experience....hope to see you next year!
Lou
Bryn Mawr, PA
First of all thanks for a beautiful race. I had a great time and enjoyed it immenselyÖÖÖ..thanksto the many, and I mean many volunteers who helped keep the course open to the cyclists. Great jobcovering the many stop signs and lights. I will definitely race here again if I am around next summer(I am in the military, so it's hard to guarantee!)
Dustin
Lancaster, PA
The race was great. The water was warm, the roads were clear and the
run was good too. I think the volunteers made it a huge success- Thank
you! overall-- it was great!BrianLancaster, PA
I raced at Anthracite and I really enjoyed the race (although my bike will never be the same).
The race was really challenging and beautiful. I picked this race for the hills, and i wasn't disappointed.
I also liked running through a shady area.
I loved the trophy. I wouldn't have thought a lump of coal could be pretty, but it sure is.
It beats a plastic trophy any day.
Once again, thanks for a wonderful race.
Michele
Phliadelphia, PA
I am sure you are triathloned out, but I wanted to send you my "thanks" for such a wonderful race. While
the course was challenging it was so well staffed with volunteers who did everything from encourage me to
take my empty gel packs, that the challenge was hidden by smiles and cheers. THE VOLUNTEERS WERE
GREAT!
I even had my chain fall off on mile 22 and one of the people who lived along the course came down and
put it back on for me. He was so kind to help me out and did everything he could to get me up and moving
again quickly.
I thought the event was very organized and all my questions were answered with enthusiasm and kindness.
The most touching event was the National Anthem. Everyone singing, so softly in the early morning was
very moving. It was inspirational and carried me through the race.
I hope to be back next year! Thanks again!
Sarah
Bethlehem, PA
First I would like to thank all the volunteers for all the work they did for this race. They did a real good
job with monitoring the bike course. The course was very difficult but a lot of fun. I don't think there
could have been a better place for me to try my first triathlon. Thanks again for all the work you put in
to make this a wonderful event
Kyle
Jamison, PA
Another year of good weather. You probably broke the record for number of volunteers in an event this
year. I did the same time as last year so I will definitely come back in '04 if you have a special category for
finishers who have done the same time 3 years in a row.
Ron
Jim Thorpe, PA
This was my first year doing this race and it was definitely a well organized & well run race. The volunteers
were a huge part and made this a truly successful and enjoyable event. Without someone at every intersection
(it seemed like there were hundreds of them!) the bike course would have been a nightmare.
Providing food and refreshments to families as well as participants was a nice touch.
Thanks for a fun & challenging Triathlon.
Aaron
Bloomingdale, NJ
The race was excellent. My training partner and I came up from Middleburg,
VA in hopes of a hilly race and we were not disappointed. The organization and
the course were both great. We will put it on our tri schedule for next
year! Thanks.
Christiana
Reston, VA
As a fifty six yr. old "rookie", I found out at the edge of the water that the Anthracite Tri is one of the
most challenging of all. It did not disappoint!!!! In general, I had a blast and remain euphoric! What a test
of what's inside you....and the hills...wow!
Great day! Volunteers couldn't have been better, food was great, scenery was beautiful and outside of the
45-50mph downhills :-), I felt very safe. Thanks for a great event.
Cliff
Princeton, NJ
Once again another great race. You couldn't have ordered better weather.
Thanks again and see you next year.
Robin
Herdon, VA
I totally enjoyed your Triathlon. I would not be opposed to an easier bike course!(just kidding) It was great.
The volunteers where cheerful, and helpful. The food was plentiful and served up with a smile. The lake was
the cleanest and clearest like I have ever swam in. The switch back trail was a little scary for the ankles but
shaded and challenging. Indeed this is now my favorite triathlon! Thanks again and I will see you next year!
Johnny
New Hope, PA
First off, I would like to congratulate you guys on putting on an awesome (and of course very challenging!)
race. The volunteers were great, the atmosphere was extremely friendly, the course and the town of
Jim Thorpe are both sobeautiful, and I was reminded of why I came back for a second crack at the Anthracite Triathlon.
I was impressed that the actual race directors were running around in the transition areas before the
start of the race making sure that we had our chips and our body markings. I could tell that you guys
really cared about the participants, and as a result the race was run very smoothly. I also thought it was
very smart to postpone the start of the swim in order for the fog to
clear out. After 6 years of lifeguarding and 2 of those years being waterfront, I understand how stressful
it is trying to keep track of a large group of swimmers! And of course the lake is just gorgeous! I will not
mention where I lifeguard at, but I will say that I was so jealous of the lake. The water was pristine, clean,
and not even the least but turbid. I couldn't believe that I could actually see the other swimmers around
me while I was underwater!
I look forward to seeing all of you next year. Again, thank you for putting on the hardest multisport event
that I have ever participated in.
-Michele
Scranton, PA
I had a great time! This was my first triathlon, and I really enjoyed it. The course was challenging, but
again, very exciting! The volunteers were very helpful, and the course was easy to navigate.
Thanks again for the great experience! I look forward to next year!
Matthew
Coatesville, PA
Thanks to all the volunteers that I didn't get to say thank to when I passed on the bike and run.
A challenging course that I would definitely like to do again.
Lyle
Long Island, NY
I thought that this tri was one of the most organized and well run tri's that I have raced as of yet. It was
definitely a pleasure. The only thing I could recommend is that the awards should be sprayed with some
sort of lacquer so that the coal does not rub off. Other than that it was a great race and I wish that more
tri's were run like this one was.
Alyssa
Pottstown, PA
Yes, I did want to get back with you to thank you for putting on such a terrific race. The swim in the
lovely lake was wonderful. The bike had 3 unbelievable hills where I had to walk the top third, and going
over those roads thru the little towns that seemed to have never been repaved had me laughing at times,
and then sweeping along 209 was really fun.
Except for the hill at the turnaround, I liked the run. But I really want to thank the volunteers, they were
all so encouraging (we couldn't do it without them all), and the group a mile from the finish actually waited
for me as they promised they would. It turned out well that you apparently announced at the awards that I
had sent word to start before I finished because while I was running the last mile in, albeit slowly, the
triathletes driving by me as they were leaving the park were all cheering me on and it brought a big smile
to my face and kept me going. I am really glad I did the race even though it was the hardest I havedone and love my lump of coal (which I was determined to receive).
Many thanks again,
Margaret
Reston, VA
My husband and I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful day. We found a new favorite race! Your
organization was great, the volunteers were amazing and the course beautiful and challenging. We will
come back next year if possible. Anyway, congratulations on a very successful event, keep up the great
work for this most wonderful sport!
Charlotte and Paul
Port Jefferson, NY
I just wanted to let you know that I had a fabulous time at your triathlon. That was by far the best
course I've done and a beautiful place to do it as well.
The lake was wonderful, but I do agree that caps should not be colored as same as the bouys and
there should be more of them!!! Other then that, it was a great swim.
The bike course was great too! I was extremely suprised to find people on their porches cheering
us as we went by! I was very grateful for their enthusiasm, it was much appreciated!
The run was fantastic too..shaded and difficult on the way back!
I wanted to thank everyone, especially the volunteers and policemen who helped man the traffic,
they did a superb job as well. Even the athletes were extremely friendly...I can't find one reason
why I shouldn't keep on participating in triathlons when youi have so much support surrounding
you by people you don't even know.
Thanks for making my first Olympic Distance Triathlon a memorable one! See you next year!
Katie
Douglassville, PA
Brutal first (and maybe last) triathlon experience but now I can cross it off of my "things to do before I die"
list. I loved the swim and loved the volunteers who encouraged the last of us to get through. And in what
other race can a person who comes in 153 of 163 still place 2nd in her class?
Connie
Downingtown, PA
Thanks for a very nice race and the volunteers were great. I really like a the course. I would say this it is
one of the most difficult bike courses I have ever seen. (Keep it that way!!!)
Robert
Chester, NJ
Tell the volunteers they were great! I cannot say enough for those people who worked at the
intersections on the bike. I had full confidence that I could go as fast as I wanted without worrying
about a car coming into the road.
Michael
Shreveport, LA__________________________________________________________________________
By FAR the Best Small Triathlon around! The Anthracite Triathlon will reinforce just how much you
have trained... or have not trained. The Anthracite is a seriously tough course that challenges
you both physically and mentally. Come on, let's face it... the 1st turn-around buoy on the swim
looks like it is in the next county as it slowly emerges from the thick blanket of fog on the water.
Then battle your hypoxic, starry-eyed head as you run up-hill through the long T-1 chute to your
ride. The first hill will quickly separate the men from the boyz on the bike... but don't go too hard
... the climbs have just begun. Then throw in a few 50MPH+ descents to really get the "gutz"
and adrenaline flowing. Dismount your bike, and if you've ridden it hard, you'll feel like a newborn
fawn trying to find it's legs for it's first few steps. Just when you think you have your legs back
and really start to lengthen your stride... there it is... the "fire-road" climb. I think that the turn-around
cone "climbs" the hill slightly every year. Now your at the top and going around the cone for an
easy downhill descent... yeah right... your shoes flip-flop back down the hill like you are wearing
swim fins... the lactic acid burning even more on the grueling "negative". Then you suddenly realize
that you haven't even hit the 2 mile "climb" back up to the finish chute! If you think that you are up to
the challenge, give it a "tri"... any doubts in your mind, do yourself a favor and stay home. I have
"tri-friends" that have crossed the Anthracite off of their list... the only reason being the pain... you
definitely have my vote!
THX
Andy Mowrer (8th in 30-34 last year... training HARD now to go top 5!!)
Had a great time today, although I wasn't thinking it at the time. Great Job to all the volunteers and
thanks for making it all possible.
Here is my race report:
Swim: Hard...sunny.
Bike: Hard. If there was a softball game at the Weston field, I would have stopped for beer. Alas, it
was 8:30 am. Was tempted to take a left at the 4-way stop in Weston. Call the Army Corps of Engineers
to take care of that hill into Nuremberg, could you please?
Run: Hard. If there wasn't the bike it would have been sort of okay, but it wasn't like that.
Hotdogs were great and the cake was awesome. I am intimidated by the guy in charge of transition.
I will never cross him, ever. I will never try to steal Jeff Miller's bike again, either.
Thanks again to everyone! It was fun, really, in a painful kind of way!
John
Thornhurst
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks to you and the great volunteers for putting on a great race. Now if we can just do
something about flattening some of those hills! It was my first triathlon and the others that I have planned will have their work cut out to
meet the standard of support and friendliness that I witnessed on Sunday. I will display my lump of coal proudly!
Ira Phoenixville, PA
Thanks for putting on such a wonderful race. Everything was extremely well organized.
It was my first Olympic distance Tri and it was one of the toughest courses I've ever done.
The volunteers were the best. Very friendly and encouraging on such a challenging course.
I also think that spilled over onto the participants because even they seemed friendlier than some of the
larger tri's I've done.
Although the run course was challenging, the fact that it was mostly shaded was a real treat.
Please don't ever change it.
I also thought it was really great that the clock kept ticking and there were support people
out there until everyone crossed the finish line. It's a shame that some races turn the clock
off and close the course before everyone finishes. Even though the top finisher's are awe
inspiring in their athletic abilities, it's the people who persevere just to finish, in any amount
of time that are the most encouraging and inspirational to a mid packer like myself.
The food and DJ were great. Nice touch.
Great race. Definitely worth leaving my house in central jersey at 4:00 am (on 2 1/2 hrs sleep)
to get there for the start.
Hope to be back again next year.
Rich
Somerset, NJ
Thanks for putting on a great race. I was extremely impressed with the number and quality
of volunteers. They did a superb job at all the intersections on the bike. I also appreciated
that you held up the race until the fog lifted for safety rather than just starting.
This was my first Olympic distance and now that I've recovered, I'm planning for next year.
I never saw ages written on the back of the leg before and I really liked that idea.
(Even though I still knew I could not catch that guy that passed me in my group)
Mike
East Windsor, NJ
Thank you for another great race - very well organized and the volunteers all over the
course were great. You've picked a great area and course lay-out - it's always fun to get
after it on those hills.
Take care and I look forward to seeing you guys next year,
Peter
Bronxville, NY
I have to say congratulations and well done. What an outstanding group of volunteers.
I have been doing triathlons since 1986 and I believe this tri was one of the best staffed
races I have done. I loved the course, especially the hills on the bike. ÖÖÖ.
I really enjoyed the event and am looking forward to next year!
Great job and thanks to all you volunteers...you make it happen!
Chris
Wrightstown, PA
Congratulations on a great race. Your volunteers did an outstanding job in making it safe
for the participants, which cannot be easy given the terrain and the technical bike course.
The weather was outstanding, the lake clean and the run was great especially the beginning
downhill part. If there was only a way you could flatten out some of those climbs! Just
kidding, anyone can race on a flat course, you have a real gem in the Anthracite.
Keep up the good work.
Howard
New Cumberland, PA
Great place !!
Great race !!
The bicycle route takes you into outer space !! (Summit Hill climb feels that way)
The run forces you into a humbling pace !!
The swim was flat which seemed out of place !!
But overall Anthracite is an Ace.
The race was very challenging, this was my first race back I have been off for 7
years, I survived but my two brothers kicked my butt, our families had a ball at
the campground and lake, we enjoyed the town, and are planning on returning next
year. Tim and Des look out!!!
The volunteers did a great job and tri ran very very smoothly. I recommend you
put mile markers every 5 miles on the bike and have more perogies post race !!
Luke
Leesburg, VA
The best race I have ever been to, wonderfully organized, cheerful, enthusiastic,
helpful volunteers. It is great that your area really gets out to support the participants.
Beautiful lake, fabulous bike course, excellent food, lovely run. It is a definite
repeater for us.
Thanks so much for the week-end!
Margaret
Middleburg, PA
I thought the race was fabulous, including the incredible venue. The volunteers did such a
great job and made it possible for me to enjoy the spectacular course without having to
worry about which way to go. Thanks again and I look forward to next summer's event.
Jim
New York, NY
Overall the race was a positive and enjoyable experience, the setting was beautiful and
the course was challenging. ÖÖÖÖÖThe swim was superb. The run was great, too. The
post-race food, etc. was great. This race should attract great athletes from the region as it is
a very challenging race! I hope I can return.
Daniel
Germantown, MD
This was my first Anthracite Triathlon and I really enjoyed it. I was amazed with
and grateful for the numerous volunteers on the bike course. The food was great. The
volunteers were happy and helpful. It was a nice park. Thanks for a great race and I
hope to see you again next year.
Martha
Lemont, PA
Thank you for an exciting event. You have chosen a venue which rivals any other. Being
in event management, I can respect the coordination and effort you must have put in getting
this event together. The support we received from the townspeople while driving the bike
course Saturday and the cheers we heard all morning Sunday has made me write in your
event to my calendar for next season.
Charles
Philadelphia, PA
It was an excellent race, I was very surprised and pleased at the number of volunteers
that were there to make sure we stayed on the right course. it seems like the whole town
must have turned out to help. after having a disappointing race in Delaware the week before
(where many of us were misdirected on the bike course causing us to miss half of it)
i was very pleased to see so many folks out ensuring that we
didn't have any problems. it was a tough course but very
enjoyable. thanks to everyone who helped - you made it a great day!
Steve Wayne, Pa
Hi! All I can say is the race is a tough one, but the people who put it on are the best! This
was my first race there and unfortunately for me, I got a flat at mile 15 but toughed it out
because I just wanted to finish the race! I was glad I did and hope to be back next year! The
course was well marked and plenty of water and people friendly! Thanks for a great day!
Lois
Merrick, NY
This was my first Triathlon and based on my experience at the Anthracite event I will be doing more
(well, at least one a year - Anthracite). I've participated in a number of different sporting events and
was very impressed with the level of organization. More importantly, I found the staff to be welcoming
and encouraging - a very important thing to an impressionable
"first timer". I also have to say that the volunteers are to be commended, they did a great job and the
sheer numbers speak volumes of their dedication to the event and its organizers.
Additionally, my support team (otherwise known as mom and dad) had a blast and felt very welcomed as well.
Thanks for a wonderful and challenging experience....hope to see you next year!
Lou
Bryn Mawr, PA
First of all thanks for a beautiful race. I had a great time and enjoyed it immenselyÖÖÖ..thanksto the many, and I mean many volunteers who helped keep the course open to the cyclists. Great jobcovering the many stop signs and lights. I will definitely race here again if I am around next summer(I am in the military, so it's hard to guarantee!)
Dustin
Lancaster, PA
The race was great. The water was warm, the roads were clear and the
run was good too. I think the volunteers made it a huge success- Thank
you! overall-- it was great!BrianLancaster, PA
I raced at Anthracite and I really enjoyed the race (although my bike will never be the same).
The race was really challenging and beautiful. I picked this race for the hills, and i wasn't disappointed.
I also liked running through a shady area.
I loved the trophy. I wouldn't have thought a lump of coal could be pretty, but it sure is.
It beats a plastic trophy any day.
Once again, thanks for a wonderful race.
Michele
Phliadelphia, PA
I am sure you are triathloned out, but I wanted to send you my "thanks" for such a wonderful race. While
the course was challenging it was so well staffed with volunteers who did everything from encourage me to
take my empty gel packs, that the challenge was hidden by smiles and cheers. THE VOLUNTEERS WERE
GREAT!
I even had my chain fall off on mile 22 and one of the people who lived along the course came down and
put it back on for me. He was so kind to help me out and did everything he could to get me up and moving
again quickly.
I thought the event was very organized and all my questions were answered with enthusiasm and kindness.
The most touching event was the National Anthem. Everyone singing, so softly in the early morning was
very moving. It was inspirational and carried me through the race.
I hope to be back next year! Thanks again!
Sarah
Bethlehem, PA
First I would like to thank all the volunteers for all the work they did for this race. They did a real good
job with monitoring the bike course. The course was very difficult but a lot of fun. I don't think there
could have been a better place for me to try my first triathlon. Thanks again for all the work you put in
to make this a wonderful event
Kyle
Jamison, PA
Another year of good weather. You probably broke the record for number of volunteers in an event this
year. I did the same time as last year so I will definitely come back in '04 if you have a special category for
finishers who have done the same time 3 years in a row.
Ron
Jim Thorpe, PA
This was my first year doing this race and it was definitely a well organized & well run race. The volunteers
were a huge part and made this a truly successful and enjoyable event. Without someone at every intersection
(it seemed like there were hundreds of them!) the bike course would have been a nightmare.
Providing food and refreshments to families as well as participants was a nice touch.
Thanks for a fun & challenging Triathlon.
Aaron
Bloomingdale, NJ
The race was excellent. My training partner and I came up from Middleburg,
VA in hopes of a hilly race and we were not disappointed. The organization and
the course were both great. We will put it on our tri schedule for next
year! Thanks.
Christiana
Reston, VA
As a fifty six yr. old "rookie", I found out at the edge of the water that the Anthracite Tri is one of the
most challenging of all. It did not disappoint!!!! In general, I had a blast and remain euphoric! What a test
of what's inside you....and the hills...wow!
Great day! Volunteers couldn't have been better, food was great, scenery was beautiful and outside of the
45-50mph downhills :-), I felt very safe. Thanks for a great event.
Cliff
Princeton, NJ
Once again another great race. You couldn't have ordered better weather.
Thanks again and see you next year.
Robin
Herdon, VA
I totally enjoyed your Triathlon. I would not be opposed to an easier bike course!(just kidding) It was great.
The volunteers where cheerful, and helpful. The food was plentiful and served up with a smile. The lake was
the cleanest and clearest like I have ever swam in. The switch back trail was a little scary for the ankles but
shaded and challenging. Indeed this is now my favorite triathlon! Thanks again and I will see you next year!
Johnny
New Hope, PA
First off, I would like to congratulate you guys on putting on an awesome (and of course very challenging!)
race. The volunteers were great, the atmosphere was extremely friendly, the course and the town of
Jim Thorpe are both sobeautiful, and I was reminded of why I came back for a second crack at the Anthracite Triathlon.
I was impressed that the actual race directors were running around in the transition areas before the
start of the race making sure that we had our chips and our body markings. I could tell that you guys
really cared about the participants, and as a result the race was run very smoothly. I also thought it was
very smart to postpone the start of the swim in order for the fog to
clear out. After 6 years of lifeguarding and 2 of those years being waterfront, I understand how stressful
it is trying to keep track of a large group of swimmers! And of course the lake is just gorgeous! I will not
mention where I lifeguard at, but I will say that I was so jealous of the lake. The water was pristine, clean,
and not even the least but turbid. I couldn't believe that I could actually see the other swimmers around
me while I was underwater!
I look forward to seeing all of you next year. Again, thank you for putting on the hardest multisport event
that I have ever participated in.
-Michele
Scranton, PA
I had a great time! This was my first triathlon, and I really enjoyed it. The course was challenging, but
again, very exciting! The volunteers were very helpful, and the course was easy to navigate.
Thanks again for the great experience! I look forward to next year!
Matthew
Coatesville, PA
Thanks to all the volunteers that I didn't get to say thank to when I passed on the bike and run.
A challenging course that I would definitely like to do again.
Lyle
Long Island, NY
I thought that this tri was one of the most organized and well run tri's that I have raced as of yet. It was
definitely a pleasure. The only thing I could recommend is that the awards should be sprayed with some
sort of lacquer so that the coal does not rub off. Other than that it was a great race and I wish that more
tri's were run like this one was.
Alyssa
Pottstown, PA
Yes, I did want to get back with you to thank you for putting on such a terrific race. The swim in the
lovely lake was wonderful. The bike had 3 unbelievable hills where I had to walk the top third, and going
over those roads thru the little towns that seemed to have never been repaved had me laughing at times,
and then sweeping along 209 was really fun.
Except for the hill at the turnaround, I liked the run. But I really want to thank the volunteers, they were
all so encouraging (we couldn't do it without them all), and the group a mile from the finish actually waited
for me as they promised they would. It turned out well that you apparently announced at the awards that I
had sent word to start before I finished because while I was running the last mile in, albeit slowly, the
triathletes driving by me as they were leaving the park were all cheering me on and it brought a big smile
to my face and kept me going. I am really glad I did the race even though it was the hardest I havedone and love my lump of coal (which I was determined to receive).
Many thanks again,
Margaret
Reston, VA
My husband and I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful day. We found a new favorite race! Your
organization was great, the volunteers were amazing and the course beautiful and challenging. We will
come back next year if possible. Anyway, congratulations on a very successful event, keep up the great
work for this most wonderful sport!
Charlotte and Paul
Port Jefferson, NY
I just wanted to let you know that I had a fabulous time at your triathlon. That was by far the best
course I've done and a beautiful place to do it as well.
The lake was wonderful, but I do agree that caps should not be colored as same as the bouys and
there should be more of them!!! Other then that, it was a great swim.
The bike course was great too! I was extremely suprised to find people on their porches cheering
us as we went by! I was very grateful for their enthusiasm, it was much appreciated!
The run was fantastic too..shaded and difficult on the way back!
I wanted to thank everyone, especially the volunteers and policemen who helped man the traffic,
they did a superb job as well. Even the athletes were extremely friendly...I can't find one reason
why I shouldn't keep on participating in triathlons when youi have so much support surrounding
you by people you don't even know.
Thanks for making my first Olympic Distance Triathlon a memorable one! See you next year!
Katie
Douglassville, PA
Brutal first (and maybe last) triathlon experience but now I can cross it off of my "things to do before I die"
list. I loved the swim and loved the volunteers who encouraged the last of us to get through. And in what
other race can a person who comes in 153 of 163 still place 2nd in her class?
Connie
Downingtown, PA
Thanks for a very nice race and the volunteers were great. I really like a the course. I would say this it is
one of the most difficult bike courses I have ever seen. (Keep it that way!!!)
Robert
Chester, NJ
Tell the volunteers they were great! I cannot say enough for those people who worked at the
intersections on the bike. I had full confidence that I could go as fast as I wanted without worrying
about a car coming into the road.
Michael
Shreveport, LA__________________________________________________________________________
By FAR the Best Small Triathlon around! The Anthracite Triathlon will reinforce just how much you
have trained... or have not trained. The Anthracite is a seriously tough course that challenges
you both physically and mentally. Come on, let's face it... the 1st turn-around buoy on the swim
looks like it is in the next county as it slowly emerges from the thick blanket of fog on the water.
Then battle your hypoxic, starry-eyed head as you run up-hill through the long T-1 chute to your
ride. The first hill will quickly separate the men from the boyz on the bike... but don't go too hard
... the climbs have just begun. Then throw in a few 50MPH+ descents to really get the "gutz"
and adrenaline flowing. Dismount your bike, and if you've ridden it hard, you'll feel like a newborn
fawn trying to find it's legs for it's first few steps. Just when you think you have your legs back
and really start to lengthen your stride... there it is... the "fire-road" climb. I think that the turn-around
cone "climbs" the hill slightly every year. Now your at the top and going around the cone for an
easy downhill descent... yeah right... your shoes flip-flop back down the hill like you are wearing
swim fins... the lactic acid burning even more on the grueling "negative". Then you suddenly realize
that you haven't even hit the 2 mile "climb" back up to the finish chute! If you think that you are up to
the challenge, give it a "tri"... any doubts in your mind, do yourself a favor and stay home. I have
"tri-friends" that have crossed the Anthracite off of their list... the only reason being the pain... you
definitely have my vote!
THX
Andy Mowrer (8th in 30-34 last year... training HARD now to go top 5!!)
Our Mission Statement: To empower men, women and children to realize their fullest potential through
programs and services that develop the mind, body, and spirit.
The YMCA/YWCA welcomes all individuals.
programs and services that develop the mind, body, and spirit.
The YMCA/YWCA welcomes all individuals.