Claire's Climb
Presented by The Twyman Family. Don't Ever Give Up!!
Claire's Climb is a long, ascending hill along Riversville Road on the Bike Course and is named after Claire Gormley Collier. Claire is the sister of Phil Gormley, Westchester Triathlon's Chairman and lead organizer.
On Sunday, September 26, 2010, approximately 1200 pro and amateur triathletes from all the world will be competing in the 25th Anniversary of the Jarden Westchester Triathlon (JWT). Although there are many repeat participants, there will be many newcomers who are wondering exactly what “Claire’s Climb” is that everyone keeps referring to.
Claire’s Climb is the one of the steepest grades of the bike course, only .4 mile and is located in Greenwich American Corporation, Greenwich, Ct. There will a timed split at this juncture. The climb is named after Claire Gormley Collier who passed away on May 4, 2009 from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Claire was 46 years old.
Claire’s brother and JWT Chair, Phil Gormley, reminds us that Claire’s motto was “Don’t Give Up!” and that is exactly what each of the participants will be reminded as they make their way up what promises to be the most challenging part of the course.
As the cyclists begin the ascent up Claire’s Climb, they will be greeted by volunteers from Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Iona College, Fordham University, Rye High School and Holy Child students where Claire went to school. There will also be a bag piper, Greenwich Police Department’s Lieutenant Rick Cochran accompanied by Officer Roger Patrone, recently diagnosed with ALS and Greenwich Fire Department has graciously agreed to position a fire truck with flags hoisted on ladders as riders make their way up the hill. Bob Blais, founder of The Blazeman Foundation for ALS, one of JWT’s ardent supporters who’s son John lost his battle to ALS 2 years ago, will also be among the many cheering the riders on.
There will be prizes for the top male and top female climbers, which include bike cases valued at $300.
For those not able to witness the climb on a bike, please come and show a hand of support for those participants, sponsors and volunteers who have worked so hard to keep the dream alive. All monies raised will go directly to charities, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rye YMCA, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Wounded Warriors and Friends of Claire.
We want to thank the sponsors of Claire's Climb for their generosity:
