Pastor Anthony Stephens of Our Savior Lutheran Church on Cleveland Drive in Croton.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

The crowd, listening to the invocation before the race.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

The pipers before the race begins

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

Mayor Leo Wiegman addressing the crowd.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

Scott Defilipppis, first to finish the triathlon.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

Suzanne Snyder, of Fredericksburg, Va., was the first woman to finish and 16th overall.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

After the race a barbecue and awards ceremony was held.

Photo Credit: Sport-memories.com Photography

Anthony Stephens, Toughman Triathlon participant and pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church on Cleveland Drive in Croton.

Photo Credit: Jessica Glenza

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – The Toughman Triathlon attracted more than 2,000 people to the Village of Croton-on-Hudson on Sunday. The triathlon started in Croton Point Park, went through the village and up Route 129, for a round trip distance of 70.3 miles, or half of a traditional Ironman race.

Contestants from as far away as Massachusetts and Virginia participated in the Toughman, which took place on a surprisingly temperate day.

“I was expecting it either to be too hot or to have thunderstorms,” said Pastor Anthony Stephens, of Our Savior Lutheran Church on Cleveland Drive in Croton.

Pastor Stephens gave the invocation at the beginning of the race and also participated in the event. He called it a “beautiful day.”

One thousand adults raced on Sunday and 500 kids took part on Saturday. A portion of each entry fee was donated to the Buchanan-Cortlandt-Croton 9/11 Memorial and Stephens reminded people in his invocation that they should not feel guilty for participating in a triathlon on the anniversary of 9/11.

“If terrorism works, it stops us from doing what we love doing,” said Stephens, who said the crowd responded positively to the message. “One woman had lost a sister, and she said, ‘You know, you’re words meant so much to me, and that’s why I’m here, to honor her memory.’”

Croton Mayor Leo Wiegman addressed the crowd.

“(The race) brings over 2,000 people to the village, all of whom appear to have a good time, and so they leave with a good memory of the village,” he said.

Wiegman added that the Croton Police Department worked with state and county police agencies. Together, they closed more roads and placed more restrictions because of a vehicle and bicycle collision last year.

“I think in many ways we see Croton at its best during the Toughman,” said Stephens.

Members of The Daily Croton’s Facebook page had mixed feelings about the traffic situation.

“I volunteered, got there at the crack of dawn and drove home slowly but was proud for the generosity of our Village (and our neighbors). What a great way to expose people to our community," wrote Donna Lee Ubertalli. " Was great to see some folks come out along Benedict to cheer on the athletes. I know they were incredibly grateful and many expressed real appreciation at our support.”

The first person to finish the race was Scott Defilippis, number 16, from Normandy Beach, N.J. He completed the race in 4 hours, 11 minutes and 55 seconds. The first woman to finish the race was Suzanne Snyder, number 2, from Fredericksburg, Va. She placed 16th overall, and also volunteered on Saturday.