Sharon triathlon, June 25, a homespun competition

SHARON — The third annual Sharon Sprint Triathlon will be held on Saturday, June 25, starting from the Sharon town beach at Mudge Pond at 8 a.m.Organizer Matt Mette, who is also the director of Sharon Recreation and Youth, said he looks forward to attracting a local crowd for the mini-triathlon. The driving motivation behind the race, after all, is not to raise money, but rather, to bring together members of the community who share a passion for wholesome exercise.“We see this as a local event,” Mette said, “and have tried to organize it with that as the focus, not the income from the event.”Mette noted the entry fees are relatively low in comparison with other triathlons. The cost is $50 for an individual or $80 for a team.In its first year, the race drew more than 80 participants; last year the field of competitors totaled 72. Should the number of entrees be overwhelming this year, Mette noted he would cap the field at 100 individuals.“We don’t want it to be too big,” he explained.The race will commence with a half-mile swim in Mudge Pond, followed by a 12.1-mile bike ride through Sharon and Lakeville, and then a 4.1-mile run. Each leg of the triathlon requires physical and mental stamina, though Mette said “most weekend warriors consider the swim the most challenging [portion of the race] because most folks do not swim in open water very often.”For those contestants in search of an incentive beyond the thrill of the physical competition, prizes are awarded to the first male and first female finisher, along with the first team and first youth team. “Keeping with our theme,” said Mette, “we award ‘local’ prizes — a rose of Sharon shrub and wines from Cascade Winery in Amenia.”To register, visit www.active.com or call Mette at 860-364-1400.