With the second-best finisher still out of sight, Jordan Jones was the first to complete the Jarden Westchester Triathlon Sunday morning, unofficially winning the event for the second year in a row.
The 31-year-old from Golden, CO, raised his arms over his head as he crossed the finish line at 9:09 a.m.
"Everything felt really similar, the water seemed a little warmer," Jones said. "Everything else seemed similar."
A professional triathlete, Jones has participated in the Westchester Triathlon four times, finishing first the last two years.
"I used to be able to slip in and people didn't quite notice me, like last year, but now guys kind of notice a bit more," Jones said. "They kind of mark me, but that's part of racing, it makes it fun."
A native of Boston, Jones said he enjoys the hills and unique swim offered during the Westchester Triathlon. The fall weather, he said, also brings him back every year.
"I love racing in the fall and in the New England and New York area," he said. "I love coming back this time of year to get out and race hard on a course like this."
This year alone Jones has participated in 12 triathlons, one as far as Austria.
There were about 1,600 participants entered in the 28th Westchester Triathlon. Racers competed in an Olympic distance race—a 9/10ths mile swim in Long Island Sound; a 25 mile scenic bike course; and a 6.2 mile run.
The race begins at Rye Beach and ends ends in Rye Town Park.
