Top Mountain State triathletes test their paddle, pedal, and pace at the 40th annual Scenic Mountain Triathlon this July.
A HALF-MILE SWIM THROUGH SUMMIT LAKE. A 17-mile pedal over Kennison Mountain. A six-mile run across Cranberry Glades. 24 miles of exertion and excellent views culminate in victory at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. Held annually in Richwood, the Scenic Mountain Triathlon’s breathtaking race through the Monongahela National Forest celebrates its 40th year this July 13.
Beyond the national forest’s challenging and charming terrain, there’s something else that keeps athletes coming back: the community. “For a lot of athletes, this will be the only race they see each other at,” says Jeromy Rose, former director of the triathlon. “Even though they may be from other states, there are still competitors from back when I was director who stay in touch with me. It’s more than a race—it’s become its own little community.”
One of those longtime athletes is Carl Irwin, a retired West Virginia University professor who has competed in the triathlon since its earliest days. At 86, he now races in the team category alongside his family. He’s one of about 100 participants, cheered on by spectators who gather on the nature center’s lawn to enjoy music and refreshments.
Michelle Rose, entering her first year as director, hopes to establish the event as a weekend experience in the national forest and Richwood. “My goal is to bring people back to the Richwood area,” she says. “You’re in the middle of the national forest. The Cranberry Glades, the Highland Scenic Highway, the Falls of Hills Creek—there’s so much to do around here.”
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