As the sun rises in the sky over Harveys Lake, triathletes survey the shore line and test the waters before the start of the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon on Sunday.
                                 Fred Adams | For Times Leader

As the sun rises in the sky over Harveys Lake, triathletes survey the shore line and test the waters before the start of the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon on Sunday.

Fred Adams | For Times Leader

Athletes, spectators thrilled for sport’s return to Back Mountain

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<p>Supporters of Anthony Feola cheer on the 33-year-old competitor near the race’s finish Sunday.</p>
                                 <p>Joe Soprano | Times Leader</p>

Supporters of Anthony Feola cheer on the 33-year-old competitor near the race’s finish Sunday.

Joe Soprano | Times Leader

<p>Medals wait to be presented to finishers at the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon on Sunday.</p>
                                 <p>Joe Soprano | Times Leader</p>

Medals wait to be presented to finishers at the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon on Sunday.

Joe Soprano | Times Leader

HARVEYS LAKE – The sport of triathlon came back to the Back Mountain on Sunday.

And according to everyone involved in the event – organizers, athletes, spectators and sponsors – its return was a resounding success.

“We pulled it off,” Race Director Dave Bass said as he stood among a large group of spectators waiting for the first athletes to cross the finish line at the Lake-Noxen Elementary School.

The Back Mountain had not seen the sport of triathlon – a race featuring a swim, bike race and run all in one event – since the 35th and final Greater Wilkes-Barre Triathlon was held in 2016.

Based on the turnout of both spectators and competitors the sport was missed.

“There are so many people here I don’t know,” Bass said. “There’s a lot of young people. There’s tons of spectators. Everyone is in a good mood.

“I think we nailed it.”

While the race followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, there were some notable changes. There were some for the athletes – such as transition areas within walking distance of each other and new bike and run courses – and some for the fans.

“This is the first year we have ever had spectators at the beach,” said Steve Tarren, one of the triathlon’s organizers. “And it made a big difference.

“It was exciting.”

Alan K. Stout, executive director of Visit Luzerne County, was certainly happy to have the sport of triathlon return to the Back Mountain.

“It’s wonderful,” Stout said of the race. “As soon as we found out about it, we were thrilled. Obliviously at the visitor’s bureau, we are particularly interested in events, and in sporting events, that have the potential to bring people from outside the area.”

The race certainly accomplished that as evidenced by the race winners.

Conrad Goeringer, the overall male winner, and Alexandra Leandri, the overall female winner, both traveled from Tennessee to compete in the race.

Neither was a stranger to the Back Mountain, however. Goeringer is a Kingston native and Leandri grew up in Mechanicsburg but has a large number of family members from Luzerne County.

Then there was Josh Nadonlay, who was standing at the beginning of the run holding a sign to encourage competitors. He made the trip from Pittsburgh to support friends and family competing in the event and was happy he did.

“I think it’s a beautiful race in a great spot in the state,” Nadonlay said.

Now with the inaugural Back Mountain Triathlon in the books, race organizers will turn their attention to 2024’s edition of the event.

After this year’s such a success, Bass said he is “very confident” that next year’s race will be every bit as much of a success.