NYSEF hosted the ‘cleanest’ run aid station during the IRONMAN 70.3 on Sunday, September 10. We like to thank all our volunteers- parents, athletes, coaches and community members for the support! We are also thankful for some of our NYSEF Family for giving us the opportunity to volunteer! We had some current and former staff and alumni participating in the vigorous swim, bike and run on September 10.

Although our staff and alumni are big fans of NYSEF, we were happy to not disappoint them! Former Head Cross-Country Coach, Margaret Maher, “was happy to see all the NYSEF kids and coaches out volunteering and having fun on course.” The NYSEF aid station helped to “power me through the last couple of miles on the run,” said Hadley Driscoll, Race Administrator and Development Assistant.

What motivates someone to participate in an IRONMAN or IRONMAN 70.3? A few staff members were motivated by being seasoned volunteers and wanted to be a part of the event another way…and race. Volunteer extraordinar, Hadley mentioned, “I love cycling and I love watching the Ironman here (in Lake Placid) every year, so I was really excited to participate when they announced that Lake Placid would be hosting a 70.3.” Matt Delaney, former NYSEF cross-country skier dittoed Hadley’s remarks, “having grown up in L.P., I’ve been around the triathlon scene my entire life with my parents owning High Peaks Cyclery, hosting the Monday Night Min-Tri’s for over 30 years, and Ironman being in town for 20 years now, this race was an easy one to decide to do when it was announced last year.”

While training, athletes are never alone especially in Lake Placid. There are many community members running, biking and swimming throughout the year for races, “from training all the way to the finish…I met so many cool people and learned so much about myself – the whole experience was amazing,” Hadley said. Seasoned tri-athlete and former U-14 Alpine Coach, Marc Eves, participated “for the camaraderie of racing with all of my friends, whether they were racing or volunteering.”

Thinking about doing the 70.3 in 2018? You heard it from the racers!

If anyone from our NYSEF Family participated in the 70.3, please reach out! We would love to hear your story. Contact Danielle at daniellel@nysef.org or visit nysef.org.