Jones Beach 70.3

Jones Beach 70.3 proved to be quite the test of endurance. And not just of distance. The tropical storm that decided to start at the same time as the race made conditions harder than they should be. Wind and rain couldn’t stop the 2,200 athletes racing, though. That includes the 15 brave (crazy?) men and women of the NYPD Triathlon Team who suffered through puddles and pain to finish on the Jones Beach Boardwalk. Led by team Captain Robert Pollastro (4:30) and newcomer Henry Wang (4:35), the team surpassed the FDNY Triathlon Team to take back bragging rights and possibly the shared trophy. A few other highlights include Lt. AJ Martinez completing his first 70.3 as well as PO Crystal Desiano completing her first…triathlon. Next up for her will be something a bit more dry.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And this race, while miserable, truly will be one we talk about for years to come. A special shoutout to all the volunteers who came out to support at the aid stations and cheer us on in the rain: NYPD Running Club, NYPD Sports Unit (including former president Tim Stamm and injured team member Nicole Stamm), and other members of the team! Thank you for making this race bearable.

The team has no further Team Races scheduled for the year. But, you can still catch individual efforts on our IG: @nypdtriathlon

Until 2024!

Escape the Cape

New race: same old success.

Escape the Cape, sponsored by Desatnick Realty in Cape May, New Jersey provided a fun twist to triathlon: start the swim by jumping 11 feet into the water. Sure, it sounds easy, but nearly every one of our athletes competing admitted the drop was bigger than expected. Of course, once in the water, the race was on! A strong swim was needed to fight off the current taking athletes towards Delaware (no, I’m very serious). With a fairly straightforward two loop bike course, there was an opportunity to put on some serious speed, with retired Det. Mike McDonnell blazing away. Up til now, the race sounds fun and exciting. And then, the sand. More sand running than expected, desired, bearable. Plodding through muddy flats for nearly 2.5 miles took a toll on most of our racers. Truly a unique race. If you’re interested in a different version of triathlon, this is the race for you. And, if you think you can catch Team Secretary Jon Sorocki who placed 4th in his Age Group, look for him at Jones Beach 70.3 in September.