September 3, 2009

Triathletes Make Miles More Meaningful by Joining Fight Against Cancer

(WILLISTON, Vermont) – Burlington Triathlon athletes Ginny Richburg, Eric Perry, and Karen Newman will be making their miles more meaningful by dedicating their participation on September 13 to the fight against cancer.  With every step they take - and dollar raised for the American Cancer Society, the official charity partner - they will be helping to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

High school track coach, Ginny Richburg, 50, from Randolph, Vermont is participating in her fifth triathlon, this year in honor of friend, Steve Metcalf, an elementary school principal who lost his battle with cancer in June.  “I have many fond memories of him,” said Metcalf, “especially of the ways he worked for our community’s children.”

Richburg is also fighting for a student who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in the spring.  Metcalf, along with others in the community, bleached her hair with pink streaks in a show of solidarity and support.

Thirty-nine year old Eric Perry of Hyde Park, Vermont is a first time triathlete.  Both Perry and his wife, Sarah, are cancer survivors.  “I have chosen this event because I am involved in a personal challenge that has become a cause for other people as well,” Perry said.

Karen Newman of Charlotte, Vermont is a married mother of three and five-time world champion triathlete with the U.S. Triathlon Team.  Not even cancer could slow her down.  “Since I was about seven years old,” recalled Newman, “I always had to win.  But now, the great thing about this cancer is that I don’t have to win the race in terms of the triathlon.  I have to win the race in terms of life.”

Rayne Herzog and Declan Connolly, RaceVermont co-founders and race directors, selected the American Cancer Society as the exclusive charity partner for the Burlington Triathlon. “We were inspired by stories of cancer survivors,” said Herzog. “We saw parallels between cancer patients and endurance athletes – both are engaged in an exhausting physical and emotional fight. Each strives for victories by overcoming obstacles.”

Sponsors of The Burlington Triathlon include Fleet Feet, Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness, Vermont Chiropractic & Sports Therapy, Coco-Cola, Vermont Fit, Shelburne Health & Fitness, Vermont Teddy Bear Company and Starry Night Café.

The Burlington Triathlon is an Olympic Distance Triathlon featuring a .9 mile swim, 22.5 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run from North Beach on September 13, beginning at 8 a.m.  Race details can be found at www.racevermont.com.  For more information about dedicating your miles to the fight against cancer, or to support Ginny, Eric and Karen in their efforts, visit http://community.acsevents.org/burlingtontriathlon, or contact Kate Kerrigan at 802-872-6307.