BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Boston celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon, a summer storm forced the cancellation of the swim leg, turning the triathlon into a duathlon. 2016 Olympian Ben Kanute captured the title of Top Male athlete in today’s race while 2015 North American Ironman Champion Angela Naeth captured the title of Top Female athlete. Naeth also first won the title in 2016. Kanute finished with a time of 1:29:08, 1 minute 35 seconds faster than Matthew Alford, the second place male finisher, while Naeth finished in 1:43:03, 59 seconds ahead of second place finisher Kim Webster.
Olympian @benkanute and Ironman @AngelaNaeth take titles at 2018 Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon #BostonTri
Approximately 2000 athletes representing 42 states and 15 countries competed in the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon. The USA Triathlon-sanctioned event took place at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Carson Beach in South Boston. Boston’s only triathlon featured both an Olympic distance and a Sprint distance race. With the cancellation of the swim leg, athletes began the race with a 2K run on the beach before cycling along the DCR William J. Day Boulevard, and running through Joe Moakley Park.
“Over the past 10 years, The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon has grown to become a signature event in Boston, a force for good in the city and an event that makes a positive impact on the community,” said Michael O’Neil, president of the Boston Triathlon. “Despite the weather, today’s event was one of our best yet. This event brings together athletes of all ages and abilities by creating a race that draws professional athletes and first time triathletes from Boston and across the country. We look forward to continuing to grow here in Boston.”
More than 150 athletes raced in support of Boston Medical Center (BMC), the event’s official charity partner. To date, athletes and corporate partners have raised almost $75,000 toward their goal of $100,000 for BMC’s adolescent, young adult and adult addiction programs at the Grayken Center for Addiction, which serves as the umbrella for all of BMC’s work in addiction treatment, training, research and prevention.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together, pushing themselves physically and emotionally, and helping raise funds and awareness for addiction. Many thanks to all of the participants, volunteers and friends and families who made this event successful. Columbia Threadneedle is honored to take part in such a great event,” said Ted Truscott, chief executive officer of title sponsor Columbia Threadneedle Investments.
In addition to the events today, hundreds of athletes under the age of 15 headed to South Boston on Saturday, July 21, 2018 for Kids Day at the Boston Triathlon. The day featured the USA-Triathlon Kids Splash-and-Dash event for athletes ages 7-15 and the Kids Fun Run for all athletes under the age of 7. Youth groups from across the city took part, including the South Boston Leadership Initiative and Youth Enrichment Services (YES), a nonprofit organization based in Boston that provides Boston’s youth with year-round outdoor enrichment and leadership programs.
The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon is supported by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Unit Nutrition, Normatec, Kicking Horse Coffee and Michelob Ultra
