Bethany Beach triathletes raise money for first responders
Downtown Bethany Beach was filled with athletes competing for a cause early Sunday morning.
The Bethany Beach Triathlon has been called a one-of-a-kind event.
Jess Manning, a triathlon organizer, said, “There are very few races that are put on this well. Amazing food, the spread, the time, the energy, the music. So, not all races are created equal. This is an amazing one for people to get a chance to do it, especially if it’s their first one.”
Just six years into the Bethany Beach Triathlon’s operation, it has already received national recognition. It now has a two-year designation as the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship Event.
Part of what makes the Bethany Beach triathlon so popular, is that the race serves as a fundraiser for local first responders.
Brian Martin, the Bethany Beach Fire Chief, said, “It benefits us mostly financially, but just the comradery among us and the contestants is fantastic. But we do count on it financially as our main fundraiser throughout the year.”
When asked where those finances will be going, Martin said, “The finances mostly go towards operations. Things like gear, equipment for the trucks, that kind of stuff, which we’re always in dire need of.”
Event organizers said the fundraising is just part of what makes the annual triathlon so special.
Manning said, “It’s a really neat race in that way because the first responders are sort of the unsung heroes of all events. This is the first-aid guys, and the ambulances, and the fire, police, and the, you know, even DelDot. People that are working around the clock to keep it safe and so it’s a neat way to give back.”
The winner of the Bethany Beach Triathlon, a Delaware local himself, said he is glad to be a part of a good cause. He said, “Well they help us out every day during the summer, so if I can give back at least once, you know, I’ll do it!”
Bethany Beach Triathlon organizers encourage people to make it out to next year’s race.
If you are interested in learning more about the triathlon, you can click here.
