Lynbrook Owls swim, bike, run in Triathlon

Students took to the Lynbrook pool for their 300-yard swim.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Coach Bob Spina, Jr. encouraged runners during the triathalon.

Susan Grieco/Herald

190 and 198 are the first bikers to return.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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While summer vacation is usually thought of a relaxing time for students in between school years, 27 middle school students did the complete opposite of relaxing — they trained for, and completed, a triathlon.

Lynbrook’s Fly with the Owls Triathlon Program wrapped up its third year on Aug. 1 with the event held at Greis Park. The competition was slightly altered this year to make it more participant and spectator friendly. Instead of only racing through the park, triathlon participants also biked on some closed roads nearby with people lining the streets to cheer them on.

“It was a great community event,” said Kathleen Hannan, the program’s coordinator. “The kids did great and their families all seemed so proud.”

The triathlon was made up of a 300-yard swim, a five-mile bike ride and a one-mile run. Upon finishing, the triathlon runners each received a medal.

Leading up to the event, the 27 students completed an eight-week training program where they met once a week at Greis Park.

“It is always a pleasure to see the kids meet a goal,” Hannan said, “and it is even better to see the reaction of the coaches and volunteers as they see these kids meet their goals, after all their hard work and effort.”