Lobsterman Triathlon

The Lobsterman Triathlon is the 7th featured event in the 2007 Tri-Maine race series calendar. With 650 individual triathletes representing 20 states and several Canadian provinces, the 2007 Lobsterman Triathlon is the largest triathlon in Maine and one of the largest multisport events in New England. Featuring an Olympic distance triathlon as well as an aqua-bike (swim, bike, call it a day), the Lobsterman Tri attracts elite athletes from around New England.

Last year, Andrew Boone of Cambridge, MA won the elite men's classification with a winning time of 1:57:54, while Kim Webster of Framingham, MA took the women's title for the 2006 Lobsterman. Webster is returning to defend her title this year. Boone is not.

Kurt Perham, who finished fifth in the 2006 edition of the Lobsterman, is the only triathlete from the 2006 Lobsterman's top 5 returning in 2007. Perham currently leads the Tri-Maine Series race competition having won the Wild Bear, Ship Builders and the inaugural edition of the Urban Epic Triathlon in August.

The Tri-Maine race leader will have plenty of competition though at the 2007 Lobsterman. The Northeast Collegiate Triathlon Conference (NECTC) has designated the Lobsterman Tri as one of their official race events for 2007. The NECTC was formed in 2006 to provide an organized series of collegiate triathlon races for northeast schools. NECTC teams include Harvard, Boston University, West Point, Yale and MIT among others. (You can bet the MIT triathletes will have the aerodynamics down!). With fast young college kids participating, the winning time is again likely to be below two hours at this year's Lobsterman. (OA's very own Dr. Scott Marr and Dr. Eric Hoffman are also registered participants at this year's Lobsterman, so Perham had better watch out!)

Earlier today, OA spoke to race organizer, Will Thomas of Tri-Maine Production about the Lobsterman. Besides the competitive field, OA wanted to know what made the Lobsterman truly unique. "Definitely, the venue," says Thomas. "The venue is spectacular. Winslow Park in Freeport serves as the transition area, start and stop. The park features a beach, an open field, water on three sides - it's ideal for a triathlon. The protected cove is a perfect place for spectators to watch the 1.5K swim. The bike features a lollipop loop that is exactly 40K over rolling terrain, and the run is exactly 10K. The parking is abundant and easy to reach. The Lobsterman Triathlon is a great, end of the season attraction for triathletes and spectators looking for a last hurrah."

Taking place this Saturday, September 15, the Lobsterman Triathlon begins with an ocean swim at 11:00am to coincide with the tides in Freeport, Maine at Winslow Park. Enjoy the race and check back here later for results.