The residents of Round Pond gathered early in the morning on July 4 for what was being described as the “world’s easiest triathlon”, or WET triathlon for short.
The event, which was orchestrated by Mary Kate Reny, saw teams of two individuals participate in activities at three Round Pond businesses. Locations included King Ro Market, Granite Hall Store, and the Anchor Inn.
The athletes gathered for the opening ceremony at the Muscongus Bay boat landing where they started the event by jumping into the cold ocean and swimming up the landing. Once on dry land, each member of the team had to eat an oyster and proceed to King Ro for a donut.
From there, the teams hurried down to Granite Hall Store for a few pieces of candy and to grab a jump rope. The jump rope was to be used the entire way to the Anchor Inn for an early morning Bloody Mary and three “dizzy bats,” meaning placing the end of a baseball to one’s forehead and spinning in circles around it three times.
The end of the triathlon was back at Muscongus Bay where it all began.
There were very few rules in the WET triathlon; however, one rule in effect was that there was to be no running. This caused many of the participants to think creatively about getting from place to place, including John Reny riding his tractor from King Ro Market to Granite Hall Store.
In the final moments of this unique showing of athleticism, Ethan and Michelle Fink crossed the finish line first becoming the first ever WET triathlon winners. However, in a final curveball, the first place prize went to John and Flavia Riley who actually crossed the finish line last. It was decided that since this was supposed to be the “world’s easiest triathlon,” the team in last place should be declared the winner.
Chad McKernan and his wife Erin teamed up for the event with their baby, Eve, on board. The McKernan’s hope the WET triathlon becomes an annual event so that their baby can continue to participate as she gets older. Although it has yet to be decided on whether this event will continue for future 4th of July celebrations, the participants all enjoyed themselves and hope to return next year.