Continuing a trend of loosening its tight grip on access to boating on its Catskill reservoirs, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection is co-sponsoring a triathlon on the Cannonsville Reservor this June, in what tourism organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
Last week, the NYC DEP sent out a press release announcing the details of the race, which is being called the Cannonsville Adventure Triathlon (its nickname is the "CAT race"), adn will include a 10K run, a 4-mile paddle, and a 12-mile bike ride:
The paddle, bike and run courses will feature some of the most breathtaking scenery in Delaware County, set along the pristine waters of the Cannonsville Reservoir and rimmed with the forested beauty of the Catskill Mountains. The race takes place in the final year of a three-year pilot program to expand recreational boating opportunities at the Cannonsville Reservoir, which means that permitted kayaks, canoes, rowboats and small sailboats are allowed on the reservoir. Previously, only fishing boats with proper permits were allowed. DEP is currently evaluating whether to extend the pilot. Race day will start with a pre-race meeting at 8:00 am in Deposit. Participants will be shuttled to the starting line, which is just east of the Roods Creek launch site. The race will start at 10:00 am with a shotgun start for the run leg. Runners will proceed east over the Cannonsville Bridge to the Patterson launch site where they will transition to their boat. They will paddle to a buoy set at the Apex Bridge, turn around and paddle back to Patterson. A short run up from the waters edge to the parking area will get racers to their bikes. They will head south on Route 268 and into the village of Hancock. The finish will be in front of the Hancock House Hotel. There will be an awards ceremony complete with a post-race dinner and live music.
The new event isn't free -- registration costs $70 per person or $150 per team. (You can register for the race at http://www.imathlete.com/.) And participation is capped at 300 contestants, "thus ensuring an uncrowded and enjoyable race experience, the press release says.
There are some other quirks of racing on a body of water that doubles as an official water supply for New York City. The official blog of the CAT race, written by Delaware County Tourism Director Patty Cullen, outlines these extra requirements:
FIRST: You must obtain an access permit from the NYC DEP to be on the reservoir ... SECOND: You must have your boat steam cleaned before race day.
