Survival of the Shawangunks facts for kids
The Survival of the Shawangunks (often called the SOS) is a special kind of triathlon race. It takes place in New Paltz, New York. What makes it different is that racers switch between activities seven times! Most triathlons only have two changes.
In this race, athletes swim, bike, and run. But they do it in a unique way. They even have to carry their running shoes while they swim! Each racer can only have one helper during the whole event. The race ends with a big climb up a mountain.
Contents
History of the SOS Race
The SOS race started in 1983. A person named Don Davis created it. He wanted a challenging way to train for the Ironman Triathlon, which is a very long and tough race.
Race Records and Growth
Over the years, many amazing athletes have competed. The fastest time ever for the men's race was 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 43 seconds. Erik Grimm set this record in 1993. For the women's race, Jan Wanklyn holds the record. She finished in 4 hours, 44 minutes, and 49 seconds in the year 2000.
In 1998, 94 people finished the race. For a while, only 150 people could join each year. In 2007, they let more people in, up to 170 racers. Many athletes from all over North America have come to compete, including people from Quebec, California, and Florida.
How the Race Began
When Don Davis first started the race, it was a secret! He and two friends ran it without asking permission from the landowners. But the next year, the race became open to other triathletes. To join, racers must have completed a "half-ironman" triathlon recently. Or they needed to have finished the SOS race the year before within a certain time limit.
The Challenging Race Course
The Survival of the Shawangunks race is about 50.5 miles (81.3 km) long. It begins at the Ulster County Fairgrounds. The course is known for its many changes between activities and its beautiful views.
Race Segments and Transitions
The race starts with a long bike ride of 30 miles (48 km). After that, the athletes go through seven different parts:
- A 4.2 miles (6.8 km) run to Lake Awosting.
- A 1.1 miles (1.8 km) swim across Lake Awosting.
- A 5.5 miles (8.9 km) run to Lake Minnewaska.
- A 0.5 miles (0.80 km) swim along the side of Lake Minnewaska.
- An 8 miles (13 km) run to Lake Mohonk.
- A 0.5 miles (0.80 km) swim along the side of Mohonk Lake.
- A 0.7 miles (1.1 km) uphill run to the Skytop Tower on Shawangunk Ridge.
The course goes up and down many hills. This means racers gain and lose thousands of feet in height. But it also offers amazing views along the way! You can even see the finish line from many spots on the course.
Special Rules for Racers
Because there are so many times athletes switch between swimming and running, they have to carry their gear. This means carrying running shoes while swimming and goggles while running! Athletes might tuck them into their swimsuits, use a plastic bag, or even pull them on small rafts.
A big part of the SOS race is being able to take care of yourself. That's why each racer is only allowed one helper during the entire competition.
