On a recent Sunday, 36 Team SAFE triathletes woke with the early morning dew and headed out to take on The SAFE Foundation’s Triathlon Challenge in Asbury Park. “It was so great riding in the dark, watching the sun come up.” said Triathlete Leslie Kassin.
At 7 am, with both the moon and the sun standing witness in a crystal clear sky, the athletes, wearing SAFE tri-suits (that conveniently dry off quickly for this tri-purpose) dove into the ocean for their first leg of the race: a 500 meter swim. When the swimmers emerged from the water, they took on the next challenge: a 10 mile bike ride. Our SAFE triathletes, and hundreds of other participants, rode from Asbury, around the Deal Lake, up Ocean Avenue to Lake Takanassee in Elberon and back. The fans cheered as they finished the second part of the race. The athletes raised their arms up to acknowledge the applause, dropped their bikes down, and rushed to complete the last leg of the tri-challenge: a 3.1 mile run along the Asbury boardwalk. Finishers were greeted with water bottles, bells, music, and flashing iPhones.
Ike Dweck, Executive Director of The SAFE Foundation, smiled and remarked, “This is the new addiction—healthy living!”
When Bobbie Dweck, Ironman, trainer, and participant was asked how he felt after the race, he said, “I’m speechless. This is the best feel-good-feeling there is!”
Charles Dweck, who stood with his children proudly gathered around him, added, “Great time; great cause; I’m hooked!”
Dave Balassiano reported that he learned to swim three weeks before the triathlon. “I feel really good about having challenged myself this way. That and the camaraderie of being part of a great group made for a fulfilling experience.”
Dave’s brother Norman Balassiano almost backed out of the race due to injuries, but decided that he wanted to show his support. He said, “Without SAFE, I’m convinced, our community would have much bigger addiction issues. It has become an epidemic in the US and in New York. Just having SAFE in existence is preventative. So, I ran to show my commitment to SAFE, and I felt Hashem watching over me when my son and I reached the finish line together.”
Ironman Joe Benun generously volunteered his time. He hosted meetings, trained participants, and served as the events official photographer, snapping no less than 700 pictures! He said, “I really believe in challenging oneself. In doing so, you see the ability of the human body and the power of setting a goal. Today, Team SAFE served as an inspiration to others in the community and raised both funds and awareness for drug addiction and prevention.”
Joe’s mom and triathlete Monique Benun praised organizer and triathlete Isaac Setton saying, “He thought of every detail and followed through. He was very professional.”
Isaac Mograby, SAFE volunteer and Tri-organizer, said, “This is the first triathlon the community has ever held, and it was great! What amazed me most was the upbeat mood in the air and how many athletes arrived early at the tent to have a minyan.” He continued, “Although we are one year away from the next SAFE Asbury Triathlon, registration is fully open. This gives everyone ample time to begin training!”
A special thanks to the generous sponsors of the tri-suits and bags: Century 21, Crown Acquisitions, and The Angels of Debt.
