Saturday, May 5, marked  the 16th annual running of the Polar Bear Triathlon/Duathlon at Bowdoin University in Brunswick. Two hundred fifty contestants started at 8:30 a.m. with the swimming portion (.3 mile), followed by 11-mile road bike ride, followed by 3.1 mile run around the Bowdoin field house and fields.

The Polar Bear Triathlon kicks off the season in New England, and gets its name for being early in May and quite often cold.  However, this year despite early winds gusting close to 20 knots, the weather teed up a beautiful 60 degree clear blue, perfect day.

Due to potential weather conditions, the swimming portion is held at Bowdoin's indoor pool facility.  This year featured a serpentine swim course with contestants entering the pool every 10-15 seconds.  Then swimming up & down each lane, crossing under the rope and repeating until 21 lengths were completed.  Then out of the pool and off to biking, followed by the running leg. 

This year, several local Camden and Rockport residents participated, with many placing in the respective age group categories:

For Camden/Rockport - great showing for women:

- Women - 40-44 - 1st place - Jayme Okma Lee

- Women - 35-39 - 3rd place - Katherine Gibson

- Women - 50-54  - 1st place - Mara Crans

- Women - 50-54 - 2nd place - Katherine Killoran

- Men - 40-44 - 1st place - Scott Layton (2nd place overall)