After being approved back in March 2022, the long anticipated Tri-Montgomery Triathlon is just around the corner.

The triathlon, sponsored by the Business Council of Greater Montgomery, is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 15 at Benedict Farm Park in the Town of Montgomery. Participants will run 5.8 miles, bike 17 miles and kayak for one mile, experiencing the villages of Walden, Montgomery and Maybrook along the way. The cost of the race is $119 for adults with a special discounted price of $99 for first responders and students.

The triathlon’s arrival derived from the council’s effort to create an annual event that didn’t interfere with already existing community-driven efforts. The brains behind the triathlon is Montgomery life-long resident and Executive Director of the council Randi Picarello, who describes herself as the “planner, implementer, coordinator and race director” of the event.

“We needed an event that was just ours to promote the Business Council, and because we have the three villages within the town, we keep working towards that,” said Picarello.

Race participants will begin with the run then transition to biking at Bradley Park in Walden, finishing with the kayaking portion at Benedict Park. The launch of local kayaking spots is what led the council to take away the expected swimming portion of triathlons. “There are a ton of routes that are appropriate for a family or for [an] avid kayaker, so we did do the kayaking component in lieu of swimming,” said Picarello.

If participants wish to omit the kayaking portion, they can participate in “Bi-Montgomery,” a race of just running and biking, at the same cost.

Picarello hopes to highlight all of the exciting things to do in the greater Montgomery area, which is centrally located between New York State Route 17 and Interstate 84. She mentions activities like hiking, Bethel Woods and local wineries.“We have wineries, wine trails and all kinds of amazing things. So what greater time to really advertise that then in the fall? Races have been super popular more so since COVID because it’s outdoors and keeps people active,” said Picarello.

The triathlon kickstarts a busy weekend of many events like fundraisers, performances and yoga. Picarello mentions that race participants will get deals at participating businesses. “We asked all [of] the businesses to participate in the vendor. We have a community vendor event after the race right in the same park. Anybody that wants to is able to come showcase their products, like introducing new people to their restaurant.”

Besides the fundraisers and admission to the triathlon, everything else is free of charge. Picarello hopes locals and out-of-towners alike can come together to experience Montgomery and neighboring towns.

“It’s really designed to get more people throughout all three villages. Maybe you only frequent one village. You will be really encouraged to frequent all three and if you’re not from here, it’s introducing you to each business district as a whole,” said Picarello.

Participants will find their way back at Benedict Farm Park when crossing the finish line, and awards will be given out around 11:45 a.m. The triathlon currently has about 60 registered teams with anywhere from one to three people per group, but Picarello hopes this will double.

“We built this whole ‘eat play stay’ Montgomery weekend of events built around this triathlon Saturday,” said Picarello. “The greater Montgomery area is a weekend destination.”