ITCA Triathlon set for Sept. 16 in Mount Olive

MOUNT OLIVE - The 10th annual ITCA Triathlon, one of northwest New Jersey’s premier sporting events, will take place on Saturday morning, Sept. 16, at the International Trade Center in Mount Olive. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which has grown each year since its inception. “The ITCA Triathlon has withstood the test of time,” said Mark Zenobia, race director. “It is one of the most anticipated races of its kind, with athletes coming from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and beyond.” The event annually attracts hundreds of participants, competing individually, and in two-person or four-person teams. Hackettstown Regional Medical Center will again be the presenting sponsor. New Jersey Special Olympics (Area 3) will be the beneficiary of the fund raiser for the 10th straight year. Last year changes were made to the course, making it “more compact” and “challenging,” noted Zenobia. The bike portion of the race, for example, offers some hilly conditions and more “terrain” racing than in the past. The biggest change, however, was to the canoe segment. The canoe route had been a horseshoe shape crossing Budd Lake. The new set-up is a buoyed out-and-back course with one transition location. The new canoe course lessens the need for about 100 canoes, with competitors essentially recycling canoes during the race. The 5K running route remains close to the same as was in previous years, with a few modifications. “The response to the ‘revised’ course was excellent last year,” said Zenobia. “Our veteran competitors enjoyed the challenge and the new athletes found it exciting. While the changes make the course a little harder, the ITCA Triathlon itself remains a must-do event for athletes of varying skills.” Applications for competing are now available. Deadline for registration is Aug. 15. For application or sponsorship information, call 973-347-3088. Applications for the Kids Triathlon, held the same day, are also available. Established in 1993, the ITCA is a membership organization for the businesses and retailers at the International Trade Center and ITC Crossing in Mount Olive.