Bristol Parks and Recreation’s fourth annual Pemaquid Beach Triathlon fundraiser will take place this year on Sunday, August 25. The money raised is earmarked for the construction of a playground at Pemaquid Beach Park. 

Race organizers Hannah McGhee of Coastal rivers Conservation Trust, triathlete and Bristol Resident Carla McKay, and Lauren Ober of Central Lincoln County YMCA agree that the Pemaquid Beach Triathlon is much more than just a sporting event. “It’s really the community support that makes it special,” McGhee said. “It’s a fun event for volunteers as well as for the athletes, and people love being involved.”

Last year, about 85 volunteers helped with the event, checking athletes in, assisting swimmers by kayak, taking photos, pointing the way along the bike and run routes, serving up post-race snacks, and more.

Neighbors who live along Pemaquid Trail, where the run portion of the triathlon takes place, set up two water stations along the route in 2023, played music, and cheered runners on.

Some volunteers support the race in unexpected ways. Bristol resident Susan Foster contributes each year by treating volunteers to a delicious breakfast by Mimi’s at the Beach. Pat Porter of Bristol Parks and Recreation organizes a group of local ham radio operators to help with race safety by covering parts of the bike route where cell service is not reliable.

The event also relies on sponsorship by area businesses. Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust provides organizational support. Bangor Savings Bank, Matthew Hanly and Greg Hardison, Pedego Electric Bikes Boothbay Harbor, and the Contented Sole have stepped up as “Mooring” level sponsors. “Lobster” level sponsors include the Central Lincoln County YMCA, the Ehrenfeld/McKay Family, LincolnHealth, and Sidecountry Sports.

Advertised as “Maine’s most beautiful triathlon,” the Pemaquid Beach Tri is a sprint triathlon, which is the shortest category in the sport. It includes a 400-yard ocean swim off of Pemaquid Beach, a 17.4-mile bike ride around the scenic Pemaquid peninsula, and a 3.1-mile out-and-back run along Pemaquid Trail, a quiet residential street with views of Johns Bay. 

Participants may compete as individuals or create a relay team of two or three people. Registration is $100 for individuals and $120 for relay teams, and can be done online at runsignup.com/Race/ME/NewHarbor/PemaquidBeachSprintTriathlon.

Volunteers are still needed, on the beach, in the transition area, within the park, and along the bike and running routes. Volunteer registration is online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/ME/NewHarbor/PemaquidBeachSprintTriathlon. Volunteers will be treated to breakfast, thanks to Susan Foster, and get a free event T-shirt.

Bristol Parks and Recreation is a department of the Town of Bristol, responsible for the management of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park, Pemaquid Beach Park, Ellingwood Information Center, and a number of other properties including a swimming hole and boat launches. For more information, email bristolparks@tidewater.net or visit bristolmaine.org/parks-recreation.