Nearly 300 triathletes gathered at Kingsland Point Park on Sunday, June 28, to take part in the first annual Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon, which was sponsored and organized by Sleepy Hollow Physical Therapy to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter (LLS).
Over $45,000 was raised to directly support the patient care services offered by LLS.
"We are grateful for the outreach of Rich Giordano, Race Director Ray Kelly, all our race volunteers, businesses and town leaders of the Sleepy Hollow Community," remarked Dennis Chillemi, Executive Director of the LLS Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter. "Together we have made a significant difference in the lives of blood cancer patients and their families during these difficult economic times."
Showcasing all of Sleepy Hollow’s historic neighborhoods, the scenic course included a half-mile swim in the Hudson River off of Kingsland Point Park beach; a ten-mile bike ride through Philipse Manor, Sleepy Hollow, and Mt. Pleasant; and a three-mile run beginning on Beekman Avenue and finishing along the shores of the Hudson River in Kingsland Point Park, including a loop around the historic Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse. Race Director Ray Kelly remarked, "I felt the most responsibility for this to be a safe and successful race. Because of the tremendous support of the Village of Sleepy Hollow, a great race committee and athletes just looking to have a fun race experience, I found myself smiling all the way through!"
Christine Dunnery of Sleepy Hollow was the top female finisher, completing the challenging course with a time of 1:05:25. Brian Miles of North Salem was the overall winner with a time of 1:01:55. Other noteworthy local participants included Sleepy Hollow’s Village Administrator, Anthony P. Giaccio; Jun Mistumoto and Adam Derechin of Sleepy Hollow, who placed first in 25-29 and 45-49 race categories; Elizabeth Aranow of Tarrytown, who finished first in the 30-34 female age group; and Katharine Brown and Jeanne Silverman of Sleepy Hollow, who placed first and second respectively in the 60-64 female age group. Tarrytown residents, Courtney Callahan, Joe Praino, and Jay Duggan, were the top relay team finishers.
The support of the Sleepy Hollow business community and Village administration was instrumental in the success of this race. With the support of local sponsors, over $20,000 was raised to fund the day’s expenses.
"This event was far and away a special milestone for Sleepy Hollow," said Dr. Richard Giordano of Sleepy Hollow Physical Therapy. "The town, businesses and local residents who attended, the 300 athletes who participated, the 220 local residents who volunteered, and all the people who cheered the athletes along the route, enjoyed a great day. This was an amazing cooperative effort to benefit those less fortunate than ourselves. I look forward to next year’s event!"
