Navy Lakehurst to host duathlon

The thirteenth annual Lighter-Than-Air Championship will be hosted by Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst on Sunday, kicked into high gear today as 236 contestants from Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut pre-registered. The oldest pre-registrant is 65 years old and the youngest is thirteen.

“We know from experience at least 100 competitors will register the day of the event,” said Nina Burnett, head of base support for the event. “That’s what Cecily Tynan, the weather anchor from Channel 6 Philadelphia, did last year and she won.”

The USA Triathlon sanctioned event begins at 8:30 a.m. and provides contestants an opportunity to complete a challenging three-mile run, a twenty-mile bike race and a final two-mile run.

This year, participants can win Waterford Crystal, as well as cash according to Burnett. However, many racers, such as last year’s oldest, an 85-year-old man, simply run for satisfaction of competing in their categories.

Captain Mark L. Bathrick, will become the first commanding officer to compete in the race.

Teams and individuals may register race-day but will need photo identification and vehicle documentation according to security officials. After a stringent security review security officers will allow contestants and staff into the base but cannot allow the general public access.

Patrick Breaux, the head of security and safety, hopes the public understands only those directly involved with the race can be admitted to the base, “Last year, even with these restrictions the base admitted over 300 cars with racers, coaches and race support personnel.”

Potential contestants may call the base Morale Welfare and Recreation office at 732-323-5188 for additional information.