Thursday, October 1, 2026
For years Sea Cliff resident Dan Flanzig wanted to have a triathlon in the village. This September, that dream will become reality.
The Sept. 6 inaugural Sea Cliff Triathlon consists of a 400-meter swim at Tappen Beach, over six miles of biking throughout the village and finishing with a two-mile run to the finish line against the backdrop of Hempstead Harbor. The race has over 125 participants registered and Flanzig, the race’s organizer, expects the race to reach its 140-person capacity.
Flanzig, 57, has been competing in triathlons for the past seven years. “I’ve done the New York City Marathon twice. I’ve done a ton of marathons and duathlons, but never stepped it up to the tri,” he said. “Ironically, I was a lifeguard as a kid. I’m not afraid of the water, but it’s just another level of training.”
While the Great Gatsby Triathlon returned to Port Washington this year, Flanzig maintained that the region still lacked its own triathlon. He partnered with Race Awesome, the same running and multisport organizer responsible for hosting the Great Gatsby Triathlon.
“We’re super excited to be bringing a triathlon to Sea Cliff.” Corey Roberts, Race Awesome’s director, said. “It’s never been done before.” In addition to thanking Town of Oyster Bay and Village of Sea Cliff officials for their support of the triathlon, Brown added that he was excited to see how the competitors will handle “a really challenging bike course as they climb the hills of Sea Cliff.”
Reflecting on the upcoming race, Flanzig said he is most excited about the opportunity to complete it alongside his 12-year-old daughter Shelly Flanzig and his 10-year-old son Andrew Flanzig. “It’s going to be more of a fun race” he said, “Just to be able to race with my kids is going to be the highlight for me.”
Flanzig works as a personal injury lawyer specializing in representing cyclists and what he called “vulnerable road users,” at Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP, which he leads alongside his sister Cathy Flanzig.
Bouker Pool, an avid triathlete for over 25 years, was represented by Flanzig after he was hit by a delivery van over two years ago. The Sea Cliff Triathlon will be his first since fracturing his C7 vertebrae, seven ribs, his pelvis and scapula because of the collision. “I haven’t been training a lot,” he said. “This is the first summer since my accident that I’ve been back riding and running with any sort of seriousness.”
Pool, a 53-year-old Sea Cliff resident, said that he always believed Sea Cliff would be a “cool place for triathlons.” The combination of hills as well as the proximity and access to water make Sea Cliff a unique place to train, according to Pool.
“I don’t mind hills,” Pool said, explaining that he enjoys “climbing hills on my bike and having access to something that’s a little bit more challenging.” The views throughout Shore Road, the backdrop of Tappen Beach and Sea Cliff Beach were some of the scenic locations that Pool said he admires while training throughout the village.
Despite the physical setbacks, Pool said he is looking forward to getting out on the course and giving it everything he has. “I’ve done a number of races,” Pool said. “I’ve placed well throughout the years, and I feel like there’s something, something still in the tank,” adding that “at the end of the day. I want to have fun and see some friends, but I’m competitive in nature, so I’m sure when the gun goes off to start, I’ll go full gas.”
Flanzig first approached the Village of Sea Cliff and the Town of Oyster Bay with the idea for the race in 2023. He added that the support of both governing bodies has been critical to help prepare for the event.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino wrote that he was “thrilled that our beautiful North Shore will be highlighted” adding that “participants have the added benefit of knowing the event supports great organizations that enhance recreational accessibility and help protect our waterways, while promoting camaraderie among fellow athletes.”
Flanzig added that another goal he had for the race was to ensure it is accessible to all athletes, regardless of experience. The race is shorter than a standard sprint triathlon, which is a 750-meter swim, over 12 miles of biking, and a 3.1-mile run. Alongside adult categories at the race, he said the event will have divisions for middle schoolers and high schoolers and a family relay to increase youth participation.
“Once you do a triathlon, you can call yourself a triathlete for the rest of your life,” Flanzig said, “it’s an opportunity to physically challenge yourself. But it’s not such a race that is out of reach of the normal person and the distances are doable for almost anybody.”
