HARVEYS LAKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Hundreds of triathletes have a big sense of accomplishment on Sunday. They swam, biked, and ran their way at the Back Mountain Triathlon. Not only does it challenge athletes, but it also helps local nonprofits.
Around 250 athletes dove into Harvey's Lake for the first leg of the Back Mountain Triathlon, taking on a nearly one-mile swim, a challenging bike ride, and a run to the finish line.
The course is tough, but for many, it's also tradition.
Some athletes have been competing here for nearly four decades, and they prepare year-round to keep their times down.
"Lots of swimming out at the lake, some early morning swims, lots of pool swims, just focusing on my times and getting through the water," Kingston Resident Eric Schall said.
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"There's like a couple good hills that you have to push through, but then there's some fun downhill sections too," Jacob Klein from Scranton stated.
You expect to see swimmers, runners, and bikers at a triathlon, but maybe not a shark. It's all part of what makes the Back Mountain Triathlon community more than just athletics.
"The running is definitely the hardest part for me, but the best part of this race is I have so many friends that are participating and volunteering," Dallas resident Jessica Hendler told 28/22 News.
That sense of community is what spectators say makes the event so special.
"You can tell that people in this race are as proud to be here as they are to train and be capable of something so extraordinary," Jessica Cronauer from Wilkes-Barre explained.
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While the race pushes athletes, organizers say it's also about celebrating fitness, friendship, and tradition.
"Harvey's Lake and the back mountain in particular has a 40-year history of triathlon, and it's great to see people racing with their kids or the next generation coming along to do this too," Race Director David Bass told 28/22 News.
Organizers say Thomas Doran posted the fastest overall time this year, finishing the triathlon in just under two hours.
Since its triumphant return in 2023, the race has raised over $50,000 for local charities and first responders.
