Church Tavern Biathlon on Labor Day in South Salem

The third annual Church Tavern Biathlon will be held this coming Labor Day at St. John’s Episcopal Church in South Salem.

The biathlon includes a mix of running and cycling with a multi-facted course.

An announcement from the church notes, "The course consists of less-than-half-mile dash to the transition area, a seven-mile bike ride up Church Tavern Road and past Lake Truesdale, and a four-mile run up Church Tavern and back to the finish line, all on secondary roadways. The race and the course’s largest hill are namesakes of a former St. John’s Church building that served as a colonial-era pub, the “Church Tavern.”"

Participants are given the option of competing as individuals or in relay teams of two people each. Each finisher will get a medal while engraved pewter tankards will be given to top finishers, the church states.

The proceeds from the South Salem biathlon will go to three programs. They are Carpenter’s Kids, which helps HIV/AIDS orphans in Tanzania, the Community Center of Northern Westchester and the Wounded Warrior Project. 

The biathlon has more than a dozen sponsors, including Gossett Brothers Nursery and Captain Lawrence Brewery.

Brian Stempel, who is the church's co-vestry warden and a race director, gave the following statement in the announcement: “Race registration numbers are looking solid so far, and we are proud to welcome several new sponsors: Cap's Country Market & Deli, Fifty Coins Restaurant, Body Back by Kristen Riolo, and Georgetown Veterinary Hospital.  In addition, The Horse & Hound has graciously offered one free fill-up to all tankard takers of age on race day.  Whether you plan to run, bike, walk, or mingle, we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy Labor Day with us."

Last year, the church notes, the event had 125 participants and raised more than $5,300.

The Labor Day race will start at 9:30 a.m., and the church is located at 82 Spring St. Race information can be found here, while information on supporting the church's charitable groups is here.