Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, August 27, 2001

TRIATHLETES CONQUER CENTRAL PARK

Classic Parks Photo Op: Triathletes from all over the globe tested the limits of both their bodies and New York’s recreational spaces on Sunday, August 12 in a competition organization by NYC 2012, the organization vying for New York City’s Olympic bid. Michael (Poseidon) O’Rourke and Riverside Park staff, Assistant Commissioner Jack (Kirkwood) Linn, and Citywide Special Events helped put on the show.

Only one triathlon takes place entirely in Central Park, and the event is so popular its just been expanded to accept 300 athletes, up from the 240 participants for the last 13 years. On Sunday, August 19, ambitious athletes stroked three loops through Lasker Pool, cycled 12 miles, and paced the drives for another five miles. Nancy (The Wheeler) Klitsner, directed the race and Dan (Tri-man) Honig of the New York Triathlon Club consulted. This quintessentially New York challenge was not only an adventure for participating athletes, but a fundraiser for free recreational programs for kids in all five boroughs. Last year, 2.9 million New Yorkers visited Parks’ 35 recreation centers. Sunday’s triathletes ran to help support further programs for those center users.

It might feel too hot to be thinking about November’s New York marathon, but the die-hards have already begun. On Saturday, August 11 at 7:00 a.m., the New York Road Runners Club held its first marathon training run in Central Park. Early worm athletes looped through Central Park’s drives running 6, 12, and 20 mile courses from 99th Street and the East Drive. They trained across and around the finish line that will be such a welcome sight this fall. As they ran they were perhaps reminded of a quote from The Complete Book of Running that “the qualities and capacities that are important in running—such factors as will power, the ability to apply effort during extreme fatigue and the acceptance of pain—have a radiating power that subtly influences one’s life.”

Parks cordially invites you to waltz, rhumba, hustle, cha-cha, mambo, meringue, fox-trot, samba or tango—or watch others do so—at a night of ballroom dancing on Friday, September 9 at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park.

The dance extravaganza in the green heart of New York City will celebrate the 68th anniversary of the Roseland Ballroom and commemorate the complete renovation of Bethesda Terrace.

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center