For Immediate Release CONTACT: Nina Smiley (845) 256-2024 or nsmiley@mohonk.com
New Mini-Triathlon Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House Competitive Sport Now Attainable for Athletes of All Levels NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — Aspiring and established triathletes can test their strength and endurance in a new Mini-Triathlon Weekend and Training Program at Mohonk Mountain House, July 10-12, 2009. “Newbies” will learn everything they ever wanted to know from top-ranked age-group triathletes who will lead the program. On “race day,” participants will strive to complete a Mini-Triathlon Race which includes a quarter-mile swim, a seven-mile bike and a two-mile run, while taking in the spectacular landscape surrounding Mohonk Mountain House. Program leaders include: Alex Sherwood — USA Triathlon Age Group All American; competitor in the Ironman® World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Dr. Michael Halsted — USA Triathlon Top-Ranked Male Age Group All American; competitor in the Ironman® World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and the XTERRA World Championship in Maui, Hawaii. Barbara Sessa —USA Triathlon Age Group All American; certified USA Triathlon coach; Level III USA Cycling Coach. “We welcome all levels of triathletes as well as relay teams. Relays are a great way for a group of friends, a couple, or a family to share some triathlon excitement,” says program leader Alex Sherwood, 2008 winner of the “Survival of the Shawangunks” Triathlon. He adds, “Triathletes love to share their sport. ‘Newbies’ will arrive as an individual and leave as a member of the Triathlete Family!” The Mini-Triathlon Training Program begins on Friday evening, July 10, 2009. After guests check in and receive their race packet and gift bag, they will enjoy a group dinner followed by an introductory session called “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Triathlons But Were Afraid to Ask.” On Saturday morning, after a clinic in open water swim techniques, participants will swim the actual quarter-mile course in the spectacular Lake Mohonk. After learning how to best fuel your body to prepare for a race, guests will ride the seven-mile mountain bike course, while receiving instruction from our experts. For the final practice segment, attendees will participate in a running instruction session and then complete the two-mile course. The day concludes with a group dinner followed by a triathlon “Expo” to review the latest tools and equipment that will help triathletes channel their competitive spirit. The Mini-Triathlon Race begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, and after the race a bountiful outdoor lunch and awards celebration complete the weekend. Guests are encouraged to arrive a day early to soak in the ambiance of this National Historic Landmark resort or to stay a day late to soothe their tired muscles with a day at the eco-friendly, award-winning Spa at Mohonk Mountain House. In celebration of the property’s 140-year anniversary in 2009, guests can find comfort in the Mohonk Eco-Sampler and the Indigo Herbal Poultice Massage, two new treatments on the spa menu that are based on healing traditions of long ago. Rates start at $270 per person per night, based on double occupancy (taxes and service charge additional). Accommodations, a four-course dinner, most resort activities, Afternoon Tea and Cookies, a
bountiful breakfast buffet, and lunch buffet are included in the nightly rate, as well as a race packet. Please note: Due to the terrain, mountain bikes will be used in the bike segment of our race. Guests are welcome to bring their own mountain bikes. Mountain bikes are available to rent from the WheelWorks Shop at Mohonk Mountain House. For more information and photography, please visit http://www.mohonk.com/Uploads/MiniTriathlonWeekend09.pdf.
Additional Mini-Triathlon Training Programs are scheduled for January 29-31 and July 9-11, 2010.
About Mohonk Mountain House Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and Historic Hotel of America located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, just 90 miles north of New York City. The resort is celebrating its 140th Anniversary in 2009, marking the milestone of having provided recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit in a beautiful natural setting since 1869. The award-winning 30,000-square-foot Spa wing at Mohonk Mountain House features 16 treatment rooms, a solarium, and outdoor heated mineral pool, along with an indoor heated swimming pool with an underwater sound system, comprehensive fitness center, and yoga/motion studio. The Spa is heated and cooled by a geo-thermal system and has a partial “green roof” and has been honored by Spa magazine as one of the best “Eco Spas” nationwide. It has also been acclaimed by Luxury Spafinder as one of the most affordable spas, and has been voted one of the “Top 25 Resort Spas in North America” by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Mohonk’s spectacular Skating Pavilion is host to special activities including skating lessons and corporate teambuilding programs. For invigorating outdoor fun, guests can enjoy 85 miles of trails for seasonal hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Overnight guests can enjoy rock climbing on one of the most acclaimed cliffs in the world. The grounds feature exquisite gardens, a challenging nine-hole golf course, red clay tennis courts, and stables with horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides. The half-mile-long, glacial-formed Lake Mohonk is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Extensive composting, recycling, and nature interpretation programs are hallmarks of the ongoing stewardship efforts undertaken at Mohonk Mountain House. Over 40 theme programs are presented annually, including culinary classes, gardening workshops, music festivals, nature programs, and more. Overnight rates at Mohonk Mountain House include charming accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Afternoon Tea and Cookies, and most resort activities. For additional information, please call 800.772.6646 or visit www.mohonk.com. ###