Mighty North Fork Triathlon Launches Local Food Drive

As a popular local triathlon kicked into gear Sunday, participants came together to help the needy on the North Fork. 

With over 600 competing athletes and hundreds of spectators, EventPower, a Long Island based multi-sport event company, launched the 15th Annual Mighty North Fork Sprint Triathlon. 

The sprint-distance triathlon began Sunday morning on Cedar Beach in Southold with a 500 meter swim and continued with an eight mile bike course and a 3.5 mile run.

For years, Community Action of Southold Town, a local relief organization for those in need, has benefitted from the proceeds of the event. 

This year, registered athletes and sponsors were invited to help CAST by gathering canned and dried foods to help local residents. All food donations were brought to the three triathlon packet pickup destinations or collected Sunday morning.

Both athletes and sponsors responded immediately, with Fairway Market donating a half pallet of food, organizers said. 

CAST's mission is to "promote self-sufficiency and provide a safety net for Southold Town residents in need," according to volunteers.

In recent months, as the town board pondered a new policy that would limit the number of for-profit race and bike events on area roads, many spoke out in support of the Mighty North Fork Triathlon and its benefits, as well as the philanthropic outreach provided to CAST in conjunction with the event.