“Racers finish strong with the support of volunteers, spectators, and fellow athletes at the Norway Triathlon.” High-resolution photograph by Jesse Cottingham Photography 

NORWAY — The annual Norway Triathlon is back for its 16th year on Saturday, July 8 at Pennesseewassee Park. This year’s triathlon is set to run at its maximum race capacity of approximately 120 individuals and teams. Sanctioned by USATriathlon, it is a perfect sprint tri for experienced athletes or first-time competitors. Individuals and teams of all ages and abilities are encouraged to compete. Proceeds for the 2023 Norway Triathlon benefit the Western Foothills Land Trust (WFLT).

The event will begin at 8 a.m. with a .75-kilometer swim in Lake Pennesseewassee. Swimmers start in waves and are surrounded by a flotilla of safety kayaks and party boats with lifeguards on duty. After the swim, competitors run to the transition area, don their bike gear, and hit the road. This year, the bike course will exit the park and proceed to Greenwood Road, turning around at Richardson Hollow Road for the 18-kilometer out-and-back ride. Once safely back in the transition area, competitors will secure their bikes, change into running shoes, and head out along 118, turning right onto Ashton Rd, proceeding to the height of land, and returning on Sodom, Country Club, and Ashton Roads to 118, for a triumphant finish through the arch in Pennesseewassee Park.

Once across the finish line, participants can enjoy delicious local food set up by volunteers and revel in the camaraderie of the event. Top prizes, the infamous Norway Tri gold, silver, and bronze cowbell awards, will be handed out to winners of age categories as well as overall top women’s and men’s athletes.

The parking lot at Pennesseewassee Park will close at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 7 so the transition area can be set up. Registration and packet pick up will be held in the Red School House on Friday from 4-8 p.m. Pennesseewassee Park will be closed from 6 a.m. until noon on July 8 to accommodate the event. Individuals and families from the community wishing to use the beach, fishermen, and other boaters are asked to stay out of the park until after noon when the race is over. All drivers on 118, Greenwood Road, and Sodom Road are asked to drive with caution for the safety of participants.

The 2023 Norway Triathlon will be following Maine CDC guidelines for outdoor sports events and USAT guidelines for multi-sport events. USATriathlon sanctioning means that an event follows the safety and staffing requirements set by USAT, and ensures a safe and fair competitive race environment. Norway Triathlon racers will also be eligible to compete in other race events supported by USAT.  Registration, course maps, and detailed race information can be found at https://www.wfltmaine.org/norway-triathlon.

Anyone interested in seeing the excitement of a triathlon while assisting Western Foothills Land Trust should consider volunteering for the morning of the event. We need helpers on the run and bike courses, and additional kayakers. To volunteer, please contact info@wfltmaine.org.

Generous sponsors of the 2023 Norway Triathlon include; Diamond Sponsor Maine Beer Company; Gold Sponsor Cafe Nomad; Silver Sponsors Western Maine Health, Oxford Hotel & Casino, and The Woods Maine; Bronze Sponsors Coldwell Bank Real Estate, Bancroft Contracting, Black Dog Timberworks, Green Machine Bikes, Carter’s X-C Ski, Oxbow Brewing, and In-Kind Sponsors: True North Adventureware, Allagash Brewing, Sebago Brewing Company, Sebago Clean Waters, CEBE, and the Fare Share Coop.