On June 4, the Harvard Lions Club hosted its sixth Bare Hill triathlon, triathlon relay, duathlon, and aquabike events. All of the races started at 8 a.m.—in a challenging temperature of 47 degrees. During the morning races Pond Road was closed, but other traffic was unaffected, with police stationed at intersections so vehicles could pass runners and cyclists.
On the grass in front of the library, 255 racers got ready and tried to keep warm. In a gated area, bike racks had been installed for the races, and a large inflated archway marked the finish line. Upon checking in, participants had the opportunity to choose from a selection of breakfast items and snacks, including milk, granola bars, bagels, bananas, cookies, and water.
After a few words of encouragement and thanks from race director Joerg Hermans, the national anthem was played to open the races. Those who participated in the triathlon and aquabike race headed to the town beach at 7:40 a.m. for the swimming portion of the competition. Meanwhile, the duathletes started their first run from the library parking lot.
Twelve states were represented, with racers from other New England states and from as far away as Minnesota and Colorado. Competitors varied in age from 11 to 74 years and ranged from experienced runners to beginners.
“I’m just excited to see how I do,” Tewksbury resident Jackie Perry said. As a beginner runner, this was her first race. She heard of this running opportunity through her sister, who was competing alongside her in the duathlon. In preparation for his first duathlon, Reading resident Ryan Fargo said, “I ran twice a week, and I did this trail four times.” In the duathlon race, Perry placed 29th and Fargo placed 16th.
Leominster resident Christine Pignatiello participated in the triathlon last year and was excited to be back this year. “I really love swimming, biking, and running. I am looking forward to doing all three sports, and I love training for it. It is just a really great accomplishment to get it done,” she said. This year Pignatiello finished the triathlon with a time of 1 hour, 39 minutes, 43 seconds, in 116th place.
Overall finishers received baskets of products from local businesses, and winners in each age group received towels with the race logo and tire lever tools.
First-place honors in the triathlon went to Somerville resident Tommaso Manett with a time of 59:52 and Watertown resident Amanda Dames with a time of 1:12:43.
In the duathlon, first place in the men’s division went to Lincoln resident Frank Kjaersgaard with a final time of 1:05:012, and first place in the women’s division went to Sherborn resident Judy Embree with a final time of 1:23:18.
Harvard resident Eva Xue won the women’s aquabike with a time of 1:05:06 and Stow resident Steven Mckenna won the men’s division with a time of 1:20:20.
Sixty volunteers from the Lions Club and Fire and Police departments helped competitors throughout the races with directions and safety. Race coordinators were Sue Reedich, Jen Schoenberg, and Deb Pierce. “Without all of the volunteers, including many from the community and our families, this race would not be possible. The cost savings of doing it ourselves allows us to donate to the numerous worthy causes we support,” Reedich wrote in an email.
Entry fees ranged from $75 to $125, and all net funds were given to charities such as the Harvard Council on Aging and the Perkins School for the Blind. “The Bare Hill races are one of our main events of the year. We are very satisfied with the outcome of the 2023 event,” Hermans said.
School Committee member Suzie Allen begins her 10.4-mile ride through town. She later finished in first place with her relay team. (Photo by Jordan Hoover)
