The Naperville Sprint Triathlon, a swim, bike, run event, got off to a quick start at 7AM on Sun., Aug. 4, from Centennial Beach Park, 500 West Jackson Ave.
After completing the lap at Centennial Beach, participants, some part of a relay team, cycled the new route, then were off and running (or walking) in the final leg of the event.
Under vibrant blue skies near the 2-mile marker along S. River Road at Berry Drive , encouraging words from volunteers were, “Way to go!” and “Great job!”
More than one appreciative participant was overheard saying, “Thanks for volunteering!”
This year’s event finished in a new direction due to the bike and run course changes for the 2013 event.
For instance, athletes headed west along Jefferson Ave., then turned south on River Road, making a left onto Berry Drive to take a loop through the neighborhood before returning to S. River Road to retrace the path as they headed back to the park and the finish line.
Every official finisher received the Sprint 2013 Commemorative Medal, a special keepsake for every athlete, during the brief awards presentation at 11AM.
Ryan Giuliano of Oakwood Hills finished first with a time of 52:39. Four of the top 10 times were turned in by athletes from Naperville—Christian Waterstraat, Eric Hoganboom. Todd Byers and Michael Hartmann.
Jennifer Howland of Elburn had the best woman’s time of 59:59, finishing 11th overall.
Congratulations to all athletes for participating in the event along the new route. Certainly many tri-athletes participated to win the triathlon or to beat previous times, but many simply entered the race for the experience —and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful Sunday morning, runners said in tandem.
The official race results are posted online.
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Thanks, Naperville Community!
When the Moser Tower rang out its carillon bells at 11AM, cloud cover was moving over the city quickly while dozens of dedicated orange-shirted volunteers disassembled the event scene in the Centennial Beach Parking Lot and near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.
Thanks to the Department of Public Works, Naperville Police Department and all volunteers who helped with the event. Â Just after 11AM, the streets to downtown again were open in time for the brunch hour.
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Moser Tower with the 72-bell Millennium Carillon
Moser Tower is open today from noon until 6PM for tours up to the observation deck, weather permitting. Admission is $3 per person, ages 5 and up, available at the Visitors Center, adjacent to Moser Tower.
The weekend schedule now through Nov. 10 is 10AM to 4PM on Saturdays and noon to 6PM on Sundays.
The tower also is open fro 10AM to 4PM on Fridays until August 16.
The view of “Tree City” from the observation deck is spectacular. Visit during the summer and again when the colors begin to change in autumn.
Visitors are welcome to climb the 253 steps to the top of the 160-foot tower, learning about the workings of the Carillon, its history and its many unique features along the way. Â An elevator that goes about half way to the top can shorten the climb, if preferred.
Meanwhile note also that the Naperville Park District invites the community to the unique new event, Rockin’ the Tower, from 3:30-5:30PM  on Sun., Aug. 18 at the Moser Tower. Come fill Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk and try to name the tunes.
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