PORT JERVIS, NY — Fifty participants from four states came to take part in the first annual Tri-State Triathlon on Sunday, August 16. The event was organized jointly by the City of Port Jervis and the Town of Deerpark in order to promote the area profile, and to encourage more tourists to visit the area.

From Port Jervis West End Park and Recreation Area, the contestants started off by swimming 400 meters in the Delaware River. They then biked to the scenic Hawk’s Nest on Route 97, some 10 miles, and finished with a 5K run through Port Jervis center.

Although the race started early, by the time the contestants crossed the finish line back in West End Beach, most were sweating—and not just from the rigors of the exercise, but also from the sweltering heat that was only getting hotter by the minute.

Port Jervis Mayor Kelly Decker came to watch, and said visitors from out of area got to see what the city has to offer, including the river, Hawk’s Nest, and some residential neighborhoods, hopefully encouraging the visitors to return.

He praised John Faggione, Port Jervis Director of Recreation, and Deerpark officials for organizing the event, and said he was pleased with the turnout.

Faggione said proceeds go to fund the recreation department. “Most of the runners came from out of town. They came from Cornwall, Middletown, all over.” He’s hoping to double the participation rate next year.

Neil Wilkinson, coordinator of the event added, “We planned this out for a year, and it’s a very successful event. We wanted to make it safe, and no one got hurt. John got the volunteers, and they were amazing. A lot of Port Jervis spirit and pride, I’ll tell you!”

Port Jervis building official David Rivera was part of the four-member team “The Excuses.”

Why Excuses?

“Because everybody always says something when we said to get involved, it’s called ‘The Excuses,’” Rivera said with a smile.

The team members admitted it was a challenge, but that they grew up swimming on the river, so they were used to that part. They were not very clear about how much training they’d done prior to the race, but all were happy, joking and smiling after having taken part.

Glen Spey residents Philippa and daughter Gemma from nearby Sullivan County were beaming after the race, although they also admitted parts of the race were challenging; they said they would return next year.