Popular Race Returns to Harveys Lake for Second Year
The Back Mountain Triathlon, now in its second year, returns to the Harveys Lake community on Sunday, August 25. The popular, USA Triathlon (USAT)-sanctioned race continues to build both on its legacy as the former Wilkes-Barre Triathlon and its own startling success. “Last year’s race was a huge success,” says Race Director, David Bass. “The overwhelming response from the Back Mountain and Harveys Lake community, plus the local swim/bike/run communities, made all the hard work worth it.”
By all measures, the triathlon’s return, seven years after the dissolution of its predecessor, was indeed a remarkable achievement.
206 local, regional and out-of-state participants crashed into the cool waters of the lake to start the race last year. By the end, the event had raised $20,000 for local nonprofits and first responder organizations. Some of those organizations included the Back Mountain Trail, North Branch Land Trust, Harveys Lake Fire and Ambulance, Harveys Lake Little League, Food Dignity among a few others.
The race community showed up.
But for Bass, they have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to return the triathlon to its former status, which, at one point saw over 1,000 racers turn out. “Triathlon is a big sport here in the Northeastern US, but people need to learn about triathlon in their local community,” Bass states. “Without the Back Mountain Triathlon, we might not have any triathlon in Luzerne or Lackawanna Counties.” For the ever-busy race chief, it’s all about local races creating local interest and inspiring a supportive, local community around the sport. And it grows from there.
Little has changed for this year’s race.
The swim, bike and run courses have stayed the same. Spectators are welcome to attend and cheer on participants. As with last year’s event, there will be fun, family-friendly vendors, food trucks, plenty of parking and more.
The triathlon is open to individual racers, team relays and individual Aquabike participants. And there is one change. “We have added a Sprint distance race,” According to Bass. “Sprint is essentially half the distance of an Olympic distance event and it is a really good entry point for new and young athletes to give the race a try.”
The beauty of Luzerne County and Harveys Lake makes it an extremely scenic course — the rolling hills and farmland of the bike course, climbing up to Sordoni Farm on Sordoni Hill, passing by the lake, running on quiet country roads. The friendliness of the other competitors and spectators. The race has a terrific small-town vibe. I have raced all over the U.S. and I just love racing here in Luzerne County.
The swim course has stayed relatively the same as in previous races. It’s a rectangular, out and back course covering 1500 meters or .93 miles. The swim portion begins and ends at Sandy Beach adjacent to the PA Fish & Boat Commission Boat Launch.
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The 20+ mile bike course consists of two laps. The cyclists will leave on Lakeshore Drive heading to Noxen via Route 29. After two long laps along that route, they return to the lake area finishing at Noxen Elementary.
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The run course takes off at Noxen Elementary and onto Schoolhouse Road, Church Road, Tulip Road, and Hallowich Road. Here, runners reach the 3.1-mile mark and return in the reverse direction to the finish line at Noxen Elementary. The run portion covers 6.2 miles in total.
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Registration for the 2024 Back Mountain Triathlon is underway. Interested participants can race individually or as relay teams consisting of 2-3 athletes. The triathlon also includes an Aquabike option. The Back Mountain Triathlon will be officially timed by NEPA Racing Inc., and it is officially sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Participating athletes can potentially qualify for USAT Nationals.
*The cut off date for late registration is Friday, August 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Register
Learn more about the 2024 Back Mountain Triathlon, read athlete’s stories, check out last year’s results and more here. And, if you want to be a part of the race day action without all the running, swimming and biking, you can still sign up to be a volunteer.
Volunteer on Race DayThe 2nd Annual Back Mountain Triathlon
Where
Sandy Beach at the Harvey’s Lake Beach Club
Pole 2248, Harvey’s Lake, PA 18618
When
Sunday, August 25
The race is scheduled to start at 7 a.m. and end roughly around 11 a.m.
Packet Pick-Up
Pre-Race: Saturday, August 24: 1 PM – 4 PM
Race Day Pickup: Sunday, August 25 (packets can also be picked up on Race Day at swim start location)
*An awards ceremony will immediately follow the conclusion of the race at Noxen Elementary.
Featured Image (Top) Courtesy of Back Mountain Triathlon.
Article updated from its original version published on 4/13/23.
