On Sunday, Nov. 3, Stony Brook University’s Club Swim Team, Running Club and Freewheel Bicycle Collective hosted the fourth annual Spooky Triathlon, which achieved its highest turnout of over 19 participants. This year’s event featured both individual and team races held simultaneously, with results measured separately for each format.
Traditionally held near Halloween, this event is dubbed “spooky,” as participants are encouraged to race in a costume. However, this year, only one competitor dressed up.
The sole-costumed participant this year, Sarah Soulagnet, a senior majoring in chemistry, brought a touch of Halloween flair to the triathlon as she competed as Poison Ivy from the Batman comics.
“I love the Halloween theme, but I was a little disappointed to be the only one dressed up,” Soulagnet said. “Last year, almost everyone wore costumes, so I hope a lot more will dress up next year.”
Anthony Hill, the president of the Freewheel Bicycle Collective and a senior majoring in marine sciences, attributed the decline in costumed attendees to the weekend’s chilly weather and the abundance of Halloween events that had already taken place on campus.
“The timing and weather really affect things,” Hill said. “But even with fewer costumes, we’re excited about the number of participants — it’s the largest group we’ve had yet.”
The triathlon began with a 500-meter swim, followed by a 1.85-mile bike ride around Circle Road and concluded with a 1.5-mile run on the track field. This year, organizers re-ordered the event to follow a traditional triathlon sequence. This presented an added challenge as participants had to adapt their strategies for racing in the swim-to-bike and bike-to-run transitions, requiring a greater focus on pacing and endurance.
“We try to improve each year,” Hill explained. “Planning takes a lot of coordination with the clubs and [communication] with the Undergraduate Student Government and Campus Recreation and Wellness, but we love the process. The [University Police Department’s] support with road closures makes it all possible.”
First-place individual finisher Arthur Kuntarakornkiti, a first-year graduate student in the marine conservation and policy program and last year’s top racer, shared his experience with a mix of humor and advice.
“I feel like I’m about to throw up — don’t eat too much breakfast!” he joked. “This is a fun event. There are no losers; everyone’s a winner.”
Tristan Ge, the runner-up in the individual race and a freshman majoring in applied mathematics and statistics, echoed Arthur’s enthusiasm for the event, but also made a suggestion about possible improvements.
“It was a fun experience,” Ge said. “But I think more signage along the route would be great for new participants, so it’s easier to know where we’re supposed to go.”
Adding to the team spirit, Evelyn Sun, a member of the second-place team and a sophomore majoring in computer science, said the competitiveness of the event motivated her to perform better.
“It was definitely tiring since I haven’t swum a 500 in a while,” Sun said. “But that exhilaration — pushing myself for the team — made it worth it.”
Hill reflected on the challenges of organizing the event, from coordinating with campus services to testing new routes himself.
“There’s a lot of logistical work behind the scenes,” he said. “We want it to be safe, fun and challenging. Testing routes, getting permissions and coordinating the day are all big efforts, but seeing it all come together makes it worth it.”
Le Yi Zhao, a spectator of the triathlon and a freshman majoring in health science, enjoyed supporting friends at the event.
“It was really fun to watch,” Zhao said. “I’d definitely recommend people come out and see it next year.”
With his graduation approaching, Hill expressed hopes for the event’s future.
“This triathlon brings people from different clubs together and that’s what makes it special. It’s kind of our Olympics — where we all come together, hang out and have fun,” he said. “Everyone leaves with a smile and it’s always a great time.”
