NORTHFIELD — It’s back. This year’s Great River Challenge Off-Road Triathlon, a non-traditional race consisting of paddle, run and bike legs, will be held at the Northfield Mountain Recreation Center at 99 Millers Falls Road on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins in front of the pavilion at 10 a.m.
“There is no better time of year to come out and enjoy the wilds of Western Mass.,” the event’s website states. “Cooler temperatures, local Festivals, fresh vegetables, warm water and the first autumn leaves poking out make it an ideal place to be!”
The event supports health and wellness and the signature programs of the Northfield Kiwanis Foundation for area children and families. There are short- and long-course options to challenge novice and elite athletes of all ages, participating individually or in a team. The race utilizes professional timing services to help racers measure their own performance and qualify for prizes in each of several categories. Awards will be handed out at around 2 p.m.
Maps of the courses are available at: tinyurl.com/NorthfieldMaps. People can register at: tinyurl.com/NorthfieldRaceRegistration.
The Great River Challenge was conceived by Race Director David Thomas in 2013 and the concept was introduced to the Northfield Kiwanis and Northfield Area Tourism and Business Association (NATABA), which provided initial underwriting. The Coordinating Committee has since assembled a group of business and community sponsors who support the event each year.
Saturday’s event will feature the return of The Elderly Triathloners, who will again defend their title as the only undefeated team in the over-70 age group to compete in the Great River Challenge.
The lineup will include “Bad Bad” Bradford John Knipes and Capt. Craig Barringer, both 75, in the 4-mile canoe race, and Roger “The Galloping Swede” Stenlund, 77, in the 4-mile trail run up Mount Northfield. Herman “the Hermanator” Ogulnick, 75, of the New England Mountain Biking Association, will be in the mountain bike event, going 6 miles to the Summit.
“We just love it,” Barringer said. “It’s a beautiful venue and a great vibe — not too serious, but serious enough.”