More than 600 athletes participated in the 21st annual Breezy Point Triathlon hosted on Naval Station Norfolk (NSN), June 3.
The event included active duty and retired service members and civilians from the Hampton Roads area.
“ It’s pretty neat that people who don’t normally get to come on base get to come and run on the largest naval station in the world,” said Brian Sagedy , Breezy Point Triathlon race director. “It allows civilians a chance to really interact with military people who are our friends, our neighbors and our relatives, and it gives us a chance to come and appreciate what our military does for us every day.”
Volunteers donated their time through the course of three days to set up for the race. Sailors provided security, cleaned up the race area and helped direct traffic on the day of the event.
“The base has been incredible,” said Sagedy, one of 150 military and Sailors who volunteered. “The security, the public affairs officer and Sailors coming over from the ships to help–the support has just been incredible.”
The race consisted of a 750 meter swim, 20 kilometer bike and 5 kilometer run. Participants from age 15-74 ran the course as teams or as individuals.
“I think it’s a great event,” said Capt. Mary Jackson , commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk. “It’s not only good exercise, but it also builds camaraderie.”
The triathlon had more than 200 service members participate in the race and it allowed for the Sailors to interact with and show NSN to their fellow athletes.
“It’s a great venue, ” said Kate Derner , a triathlon participant. “We don’t normally get to see the base, mostly we just drive past it, so for us to come on is really nice and it helps build a great relationship between the locals and the Navy.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, June 6, 2012; Image: Navy