Survival of the Shawangunks facts for kids
The Survival of the Shawangunks (often called SOS) is a special kind of triathlon. It takes place in New Paltz, New York. Most triathlons have two changes between sports. But the SOS is different! It has seven times when athletes switch between swimming, cycling, and running. This race is all about being able to take care of yourself. Racers must carry their running shoes while they swim. Also, they can only have one helper during the whole event. The race ends with a big climb up a thousand feet to the finish line!
Contents
Race History
The SOS race started in 1983. A person named Don Davis created it. He wanted a challenging way to train for the Ironman Triathlon.
Race Records
The fastest time ever for the SOS was 4 hours, 10 minutes, and 43 seconds. Erik Grimm set this record in 1993. For female athletes, Jan Wanklyn holds the record. She finished in 4 hours, 44 minutes, and 49 seconds in 2000.
Participants Over Time
In 1998, 94 people finished the race. This was the earliest year with available results. The race used to allow only 150 participants. This limit changed in 2007, allowing up to 170 racers. In 2007 and 2008, 149 people completed the course. These athletes came from all over North America. Some traveled from places like Quebec, California, and Florida.
How the Race Began
Don Davis and two friends first ran the race secretly. They did not have permission from landowners. But the next year, the race was open to other triathletes. To join, athletes must have finished a half-Ironman triathlon. They also needed to meet certain time limits.
The Race Course
The SOS race is about 50.5 miles (81.3 km) long. It begins at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
Race Stages
Participants start by bicycling for 30 miles (48 km). After this, there are seven changes between sports. This is much more than most other races!
- First, a 4.2 miles (6.8 km) run to Lake Awosting.
- Then, a 1.1 miles (1.8 km) swim across Lake Awosting.
- Next, a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) run to Lake Minnewaska.
- Followed by a 0.5 miles (0.80 km) swim along Lake Minnewaska's eastern shore.
- After that, an 8 miles (13 km) run to Lake Mohonk.
- Then, a 0.5 miles (0.80 km) swim along Lake Mohonk's east shore.
- Finally, a 0.7 miles (1.1 km) uphill run to the Skytop Tower. This tower is on the Shawangunk Ridge.
The course goes up and down thousands of feet. It offers amazing views for the racers. You can even see the finish line from many spots along the way.
Course Changes
In 2002, bad weather made the course shorter. It included 30 miles (48 km) of bicycling. Then, a 19 miles (31 km) run. After that, a 0.5 miles (0.80 km) swim in Lake Mohonk. The race ended with a 0.7 miles (1.1 km) run up Skytop. The total distance for that year was 50.2 miles (80.8 km).
Being Self-Sufficient
Because there are so many switches between swimming and running, athletes must carry their gear. They carry their running shoes while swimming. They also carry their goggles while running. Some athletes tuck items into their swimsuits. Others use plastic bags or even small rafts. Being able to take care of yourself is a big part of this race. Each participant is only allowed one helper.
