September 27, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 63 Volunteers Sought For Triathlon BERLIN – There is still room left to participate in the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s largest fundraiser, the 14th Annual Osprey Sprint Triathlon, to be held Saturday, Oct. 5, at Public Landing in Snow Hill. This sprint distance triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Chincoteague Bay, a 15-mile bike course and a three-mile run on the rural roads surrounding the area. Proceeds from the $75 entrance fees and sponsorships raise money to support the bays behind Ocean City and Assateague Island. The magnificent setting of Public Landing is a natural fit for the triathlon since it showcases our estuary and provides the perfect course for swimming, running and biking. The first osprey race 14 years ago was the brainchild of former Coastal Bays Program Director David Blazer. With planning help from triathlon organizers from the American Cancer Society in Salisbury, Blazer, his staff and a group of 90 volunteers made the event a success, with 138 athletes and $18,000 raised for the program. The response from racers is over-whelmingly positive, with competitors proclaiming it to be one of the best settings available in the region. Last year was the most successful triathlon to date, with over 450 athletes participating and bringing in more than $37,000. In addition to attracting additional racers each year, the annual race has become a spectator attraction, with more than 1,000 people gathering along the route and at the finish line to cheer on the racers. It is no small task to prepare for such a large outdoor athletic event, and volunteers are relied on to make the day run smoothly. MCBP utilizes the services of more than 100 volunteers who help ensure the success of the event. Volunteers are needed to help with course preparation on Friday afternoon as well as Saturday morning. The volunteers also help to close down the event, including removing the finish line, disassembling the bike racks, helping to corral trash and recyclables and packing up race materials. The partnerships with the Worcester County Department of Public Works, the State Highway Administration, the United States Lifesaving Association, the Natural Resources Police, Stephen Decatur High School and Atlantic General Hospital truly make this event possible. MCBP also couldn’t make this event a success without the help of sponsors, including Seacrets, Bahia Marina, Thrasher’s Fries, Gismondi Insurance, Taylor Bank, Francis Scott Key Motel, Halls Restaurant and Pepsi Bottling Ventures. Registration for this event is online at Active.com. If you would like to volunteer, call Sandi Smith at 410-213-2297, extension 107. SOLD! 3 “We are a dedicated team of professionals, ready to assist you in your investment. As leaders in resort new construction sales, we offer the very best in service and experience.” Dan Clayland, Project Manager Richie Difillippo Annie Tingle Michelle Pompa Sharon Daugherty Jeff Beres