Press Release

Media Contact: John Bourget
phone: 860.231.6350
email: jbourget@mandelljcc.org

MANDELL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER'S
WOMEN'S TRIATHLON CHALLENGE
More than Just a Race

WEST HARTFORD, Conn., February 6, 2008- The Mandell Jewish Community Center will be hosting its Second Annual Women's Triathlon Challenge on March 9 at 1:00 pm. The event will take place on the Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Avenue in West Hartford. There are two challenges that comprise the race: one for beginning tri-athletes and one for more advanced athletes. The event is more than just a race as it fosters a supportive environment for the women who participate and involves a diverse group of women of all ages and fitness levels.

The Women's Triathlon Challenge is a good test for the upcoming triathlon season for veteran tri-athletes, and also a great way for beginners to try out the triathlon format. The advanced challenge is also ideal for any athlete who has not yet done a triathlon but is ready for a new fitness challenge. The beginners' version consists of a 10 minute indoor pool swim, a 20 minute indoor Spinning^TM ride and finishes with a 1.5 mile outdoor run which can be moved to the Mandell JCC's indoor track in the event of inclement weather. The advanced challenge is a 20 minute swim, a 30 minute Spinning^TM ride and a 3 mile run. The Mandell JCC's new fitness facilities allow the entire event to take place indoors so that athletes can complete the Triathlon in the winter months.

The women who participate range in age from 16 to 65+. Lieba Bernstein, who did her first triathon at age 61, said that, "I was nervous, but with the incredible support and encouragement from the JCC staff, the challenge became an adventure that helped me to grow.  With the confidence and sense of accomplishment gained from the JCC Indoor Challenge, I realized the trying, participating and completing the challenge, no matter what skill level, was far more important then where one placed. With this new gained confidence, I went on to participate in one of most important Women's Triathlon events in the country". Many women find that training for triathlons is an excellent way to give back to themselves after years of devoted to raising children. Some of the women decide to take up triathlons when they reach a milestone birthday in order to validate themselves and also, to get back into shape. But whatever the personal motivation may be, all of the women feel that the training and the races change their lives profoundly. There are many women who train at the Mandell JCC who go on to participate in the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series, the longest running multi-sport series in the world.

The Second Annual Women's Triathlon Challenge is teaming up with Team Training New England for this event. Check-in for the event will take place at noon and the first wave will begin at 1:00 pm. Pre-registration is required by March 7 and the fee is $20 for JCC members, $25 for non-members and $10 for students. All proceeds benefit the Recreation and Wellness Department's programs and scholarships.

For more information or to download the registration form, visit www.mandelljcc.org and click on Fitness and Sports or call Bonnie Hittleman-Lewis at 860-231-6361.

About the MANDELL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
The Mandell JCC is a community and cultural center that offers a full range of activities, classes and special events for people of all beliefs, ages and stages. The JCC's offerings include early child centers and after school programs, a summer camp, recreation and wellness facilities, health spas, an indoor pool, a swim and tennis club, an arts center and more. The JCC has a rich history which dates back more than 90 years and has continued to expand and evolve into its current role as a significant community and family resource for the Greater Hartford area. The JCC also has childcare facilities in Simsbury and Glastonbury.