Registration is open for the inaugural Hopkins Vineyard Tri at Lake Waramaug on Saturday July 21st, 2012, 8AM Start, Sprint distance!    Registration link here:

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1996591

Hopkins Vineyard

Hopkins Vineyard

A message from the race director, Tom Wilkas:

Hi. If my name is familiar, it’s likely because I’ve been the director of the Pat Griskus Triathlons for the past 13 years:  www.PatGriskusTri.com

For those who have raced the old triathlon here, I understand it’s natural to think that this is simply the old Lake Waramaug Tri revived, but that’s not the case. This is something that has been in the works with the Hopkins family for  years now.  I did help start the Lake Waramaug Tri version 1.0 back in 2000 and this race will offer something different. 

Inevitably, there will be some similarities in the race course. The current plan calls for the  bike course to  be roughly  the same as the original.  The swim will be in Lake Waramaug, starting and ending  at Transition area. Part of the run will feature an excursion bringing you into the actual vineyard fields, just to get everyone in the mood for wine and to enjoy the spectacular terrain on which the winery sits. The 3.1 mile run will be mostly road, with the short manicured cross country section around the vineyard fields being roughly ¾ of a mile of the total.  The finish will be at the winery itself, where we’ll be greeted with wine, artisan cheeses, fresh fruit and veggies for starters.  There will be more substantial fare too,  to be determined.

Post race, It’s basically going to be a little wine festival for all of us triathletes, live acoustic music is planned under the main tent, vendors with tri gear, an overall fun social scene post race is what we’re aiming for. We’ll also have  fresh made iced tea and other soft drinks to please all.

We are considering an open invite post race for the Wine Festival, open invite meaning those of your friends or family who may not be able to be there for the morning race start will have the option to join for the early afternoon festivities. 

We hope that you'll join us for a morning of racing and an afternoon of fun at the Hopkins Vineyard, register today to reserve your spot! Sorry, no refunds or transfers.

Warm Regards,

Tom