Good news for the triathlete community and a number of local charitable organizations: the Jarden Corporation of Rye has renewed its title sponsorship of the Westchester Triathlon through 2016.
Good news for the triathlete community and a number of local charitable organizations: the Jarden Corporation of Rye has renewed its title sponsorship of the Westchester Triathlon through 2016.
Jarden, a leading provider of a diverse range of consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 quality brands sold globally, has been the lead sponsor of the Triathlon, which takes place in Westchester and Fairfield counties each September, since 2009.
The title sponsorship funding offsets a significant portion of the sizeable costs involved in producing an event of this size, and allows more of the proceeds raised to go directly to its designated charities. The Westchester Triathlon is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and supporter of several organizations, including The Blazeman Foundation for ALS, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society/Team in Training, MAC Angels, The Rye YMCA, and The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
“Over the years, this partnership has allowed the Jarden Westchester Triathlon to grow into the premier triathlon in the Northeast,” said Phil Gormley, Chair of the Westchester Triathlon. “This extension means continuity, which benefits everyone involved, from the athletes to the charities we support.”
Martin E. Franklin, Executive Chairman of Jarden, facilitated the sponsorship extension. Franklin is an endurance athlete with an illustrious ultra endurance, triathlon, and marathon career. “Jarden is committed — through its products and its sponsorships — to support active lifestyles and the communities in which we operate.”
The Westchester Triathlon, now in its 28th year and set for Sunday, September 23, is open to individuals, professional triathletes, and challenged athletes. Over 1,500 professional and amateur athletes from around the world are expected to compete in the multi-sport event, which consists of a .9-mile swim in Long Island Sound, a 25-mile scenic bike course, and a 6.2-mile run through Rye. This race is a qualifier for the popular Escape to Alcatraz triathlon. While there are no more individual spots left, charity spots are available.
Participant slots are also still available for the weekend’s additional events on Saturday, September 22: the Westchester Kids Triathlon and the Westchester Super Sprint Triathlon, sponsored by Equinox. Approximately 450 children will take part in the event, which involves a 75-yard swim, 2-mile bike ride, and 1-mile run for ages 7-10; and a 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike ride, and 1-mile run for ages 11-14.
Another 50 participants are already registered for the Super Sprint for adults: a 300-yard swim, 6-mile bike ride, and 1-mile run. The event is open to anyone 15 years and older wanting to participate in a non-Olympic distance triathlon.
“The Super Sprint is designed to attract fitness enthusiasts who are new to triathlons and want to get their feet wet, ” said Phil Gormley. “We are thrilled that Equinox shares our goal to build enthusiasm for healthy, athletic lifestyles.”
For information and online registration for any of the events, visit www.westchestertriathlon.org.