BETHEL — The unseasonably chilly morning air on Sunday was accompanied by a slight fog rolling off Songo Pond — and every 30 seconds, another wave of brave souls in search of a physical challenge dove in.
About 140 athletes participated in the 26th annual Maine State Triathlon, organized by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce. Some wore wetsuits, while others dared to swim in the chilly water in just their bathing suits.
Chamber staff member Julia Reuter said participation has been dwindling over the years.
“There are more ‘tough mudders’ now,” Reuter said, referring to events like Sunday River’s Tough Mountain Challenge, which drew over 4,000 participants.
“It’s a fun, family-friendly activity, and anyone can do it,” she said. “You don’t have to be an extreme athlete.”
Participants could choose to take part in one of three options: the classic triathlon, (swimming, biking and running) the aquabike, (swimming and biking) or the duathlon (biking and running).
The route was similar to those in past years — swim 750 meters in Songo Pond, bike 24 kilometers up Route 5 toward downtown Bethel, including Main and Vernon streets, then back towards Songo Pond for a 5.8-kilometer run along the water.
One change this year was that Route 5 was closed to through traffic, from Mill Hill Road to the Vernon Street intersection by Hunts Corner Road.
The swim began at the Bethel Inn Resort’s Lake House, across from the residence of Mac and Nancy Davis, who allow use of their yard for parking and the transition zone, where athletes change and prepare for their next phase, as well as event booths.
For Pauline Webb of Bridgton, the event represented another year of good health, as she’s participated in eight of the past 10 Maine State Triathlons.
“I’ve just always been an athlete and enjoy these,” said Webb, who said she was looking forward to the biking the most, although she is strongest in running.
Debbie Brill of Denmark was also looking forward to the biking, but unlike Webb, this was her very first triathlon.
“I’m just doing it to prove to myself I can,” she said.
