Local kids take the triathlon challenge

By Mandy Coriston
Thirty-two children and their families gathered at Lake Lackawanna on Saturday morning to take part in the Tri-Harder Children’s Triathlon, a recreational swim-bike-run event created and sponsored by the family-run Morris County franchise, Marty’s Cycle Shop. The Tri-Harder series also takes place in six Morris County towns; Byram is the only Sussex County municipality to participate.
While the event in Byram is in its fourth year, this is the first time the triathlon was a 100 percent volunteer-run event, according to Rec Committee member and former Rec Director Jennifer Kerr. Registration in the triathlon was also up from 26 children in 2018.
“We’re really hoping to grow this event every year,” she said, “We had about 90 of both the participants and the volunteers come back this year, plus some new people. This is a great way to encourage kids to get moving.”
The Tri-Harder Triathlon does not record official time, and each participant gets a medal at the completion. Mayor Alex Rubenstein said it’s not about competition, but more about getting kids exercising. Rubenstein was lending his time at the event with some of his children, who were also volunteering or participating.
“This is a good way to get kids outside and off their electronics,” the mayor said, “And there’s a really nice family and community aspect to this event. That’s what we want to do with all our rec events- really bring people together from all over town.”
Rubenstein is also a Lackawanna resident and board member, and said the lake was happy to host the triathlon.
“It’s a good location to have it, and it’s good community outreach,” he said, “We love having this event here.