More Than 1,500 Hit the Start Line in Life Time’s Verizon New York City Triathlon

July 11, 2021

Event takes on Duathlon Format; Colorado’s Jason West and Amy Sloan break the tape as winners; Athletes from 39 states and 19 countries celebrate return of prestigious race

NEW YORK (July 11, 2021) – The streets of New York City welcomed more than 1,500 athletes on Sunday as the iconic Triathlon returned after a two-year hiatus. Ranging in age from 17-80, participants laced up at the starting line at 81^st and the Hudson River for the 2021 Verizon New York City Triathlon, owned and produced by Life Time. Today’s event was the first since 2018 after dangerous heat levels and COVID-19 forced the cancellations of the 2019 and 2020 races.

In the end, with a run-bike-run, it was a Colorado sweep, as Boulder’s Jason West and Lafayette’s Amy Sloan claimed their first wins in the Big Apple. West broke the tape in 1:35:22, while Sloan crossed the finish line 1:48:34.

This year’s race shifted to a duathlon format after repeated water quality tests found significantly higher bacteria levels in the Hudson River than what was deemed safe following the recent heavy rainfall. As a result, and in partnership with local health experts, race organizers made the decision to alter the event for the safety and wellness of athletes.

Top five finishers – Women’s Division

• Amy Sloan (Lafayette, CO) – 1:48:35
• Ali Brauer (Mount Vernon, VA) – 1:49:35
• Sarah Bishop (Beavercreek, OH) – 1:53:14
• Kristine Banks-Smith (Denver, CO) – 1:53:25
• Rebeccah Wassner (New York, NY) – 1:59:59

Top five finishers – Men’s Division

• Jason West (Boulder, CO) – 1:35:23
• Ben Kanute (Phoenix, AZ) – 1:36:05
• Grant Wiggins (Virginia Beach, VA) – 1:39:13
• Michael Vulanich (El Cerrito, CA) – 1:39:23
• William Grieg (Boulder, CO) – 1:39:39

“This is just an incredible opportunity, and I couldn’t be happier,” said Sloan, who grew up in Rochester, NY. “I consider New York City my hometown and the crowds were unbelievable. I think this is going to be the launchpad to my career.”

West noted, “It’s a race I’ve done a number of times, as there’s a lot of history here. I was really excited to see it back on the calendar, so to win it is very cool. Hopefully, this was the return of the race being back in NYC every year for a long time.”

For the first time in the history of the triathlon, Life Time implemented a bike-run component into the race, as well as virtual swim-bike-run and bike-run options for athletes who did not wish to take part in the traditional format.

More than 600 people have already registered for the 2022 event. For complete results on the 2021 Verizon New York City Triathlon, owned and produced by Life Time, visit www.nyctri.com. For more information and updates on the Life Time Tri series, visit lifetimetri.com, “Like” the Life Time Tri Facebook page or follow @lifetimetri on Twitter.

The race compliments Life Time’s growth into New York City, which now has four athletic resort destinations throughout Manhattan with four more planned to open end of 2022.

About the Verizon New York City Triathlon

The Verizon New York City Triathlon is owned and produced by Life Time. It is among more than 30 premier athletic events owned by the company, as a part of its healthy way of life philosophy, including the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, the Chicago Triathlon, the Leadville Race Series, and the Garmin UNBOUND Gravel. Each event is produced to provide an exceptional event experience for both athletes and spectators alike.

About Life Time®, Inc

As a wellness pioneer, Life Time is reshaping the way consumers approach their health by integrating where we move, work, live and play – digitally and physically – all with the primary objective of helping people lead healthy, happy lives. With more than 150 destinations in 41 major markets across the U.S. and Canada, Life Time operates luxury athletic resorts, owns and produces iconic athletic events and is expanding its brand though Life Time Work premium coworking spaces and Life Time Living high-end leased residences. For more information visit http://www.lifetime.life.

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