By Melissa Merson

Lyon Park is home to Arlington’s award-winning school-based youth triathlon program, now celebrating 20 years of teaching the swim-bike-run disciplines of triathlon. The before-school program for 3rd–5th graders at Long Branch Elementary School runs for 10 weeks each Spring. The training encourages children to have fun while participating in physical activities.

“Twenty years ago, triathlon was a new Olympic sport,” according to Melissa Merson, club founder and head coach. “Since then, we’ve trained hundreds of kids of all abilities in our program, which is a national role model for youth sports. We are grateful to Long Branch Elementary, its PTA, and the Lyon Park sponsors who have helped us to ensure no child ever is turned away.” 

The program’s USAT-certified coaches train kids for The Arlington Triathlon in Memory of Anne Viviani. The race is officially sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Arlingtonian Anne Viviani was one of the best triathletes in the world. She represented the U.S. in 37 world championships and three times won the long-course world championship and nine other national titles. Anne died tragically in 2018 while driving home from the USA National Duathlon with her husband Donn. A deer struck their vehicle, killing her instantly. Anne’s funeral at the Lyon Park Community Center drew hundreds of mourners from around the world. Anne’s family members will be presenting medals to the finishers.

The Arlington County Board has issued a proclamation honoring the Arlington Triathlon Club’s 20-year milestone. The Arlington Triathlon draws youth ages 7–15 from across the metropolitan Washington area. Spectators are welcome at the race, which is part of USA Triathlon’s Virginia-Maryland State Youth Triathlon Series. 

For information on race sponsorships contact: arlingtontriathlonclub@gmail.com. Please support the club by purchasing a meal at Troy’s Italian Kitchen all day Sat. June 8th (you are welcome to carry it to join the club lunch in the park at noon.)  Lyon Park kids enjoy 20% off race registration until 6/6 for the triathlon on Sunday, June 9th at W-L Pool. Use code LongBranch20 when you register at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Arlington/ArlingtonTriathlon.