i-tri Hosting Hamptons Youth Triathlon

On Thursday, July 14th, one of Long Island’s few youth triathlons will be taking place at one of the Hamptons’ most pristine bay beaches, Long Beach in Sag Harbor. This youth distance triathlon is designed specifically with safety in mind, and challenges youth ages from 10 to 17.

The i-tri team for adolescent girls will be one of the many teams participating in the youth triathlon. The the organization coordinators organize the triathlon, and are the beneficiaries of all funds raised from the race.(Courtesy Photo)

The Hamptons Youth Triathlon is one of the only youth triathlons on Long Island that features an open water swim (in crystal clear, shallow waters). The bike route will take riders on a mostly flat course on wide roads with designated bike lanes, and the run is down-and-back on a closed course; and the best part is that the race starts at 5:30 p.m., so you do not have to wake up at the crack of dawn.

Theresa Roden founded i-tri in 2010. She has a degree and background in education and first-hand knowledge of what it means to be an adolescent girl struggling with physical fitness and low self esteem. Roden was inspired by her own experience of the realization of the benefits of visualization, nutritional and active lifestyle that the sport of triathlon gave her in her 30’s. With i-tri, she wanted to see if she could teach these invaluable life lessons to adolescent girls, increasing their self-esteem and fitness levels.

“I just realized that if I could have had this experience when I was 12, I would have been a different more confident woman,” said Theresa. “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be able to do the work I do with the i-tri girls over the years. Girls who would never consider themselves to be athletes, girls who are afraid to get into the deep end of the pool, girls who can not ride a bike, girls who are dealing with incredibly difficult personal situations put their trust in us when we tell them that if they promise to “show up” we promise that they will be able to complete a triathlon- and they DO!!!”

>I-tri’s goal is to teach the girls that they are capable strong and worthy. (Courtesy Photo)

The i-tri team for adolescent girls will be one of the many teams participating in the youth triathlon. Along with coordinating the triathlon, i-tri is the beneficiary of all funds raised from the race. Participants and their families are required to make a significant commitment of time to be a part of i-tri. The six-month program includes weekly group lessons focused on self-esteem building and leadership skills, as well as hands-on nutrition education, after-school fitness activities and triathlon-specific training.

i-tri’s goal is to teach the girls that they are capable strong and worthy. Through the program’s rich and comprehensive approach, the girls discover that its not only about getting to the finish line, but what you learn and who you become along the way.

Racers should arrive no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the race. Registration opens on-site at 4:30 p.m., when racers will pick up their swim caps, race number and t-shirt at the registration tables. Participants must provide their own goggles, towel, bike, helmet, socks and sneakers.

The Hamptons Youth Triathlon includes a 300 yard swim, 7 mile bike and 1.5 mile run.

Note: parents are not allowed in the transition area – there will be trained volunteers available to assist all racers before, during and after all transitions. Please have all guests and spectators arrive no later than 5:15 p.m.

For more information about I-tri or the Triathlon, call 631-902-3731 or visit itrigirls.org.