Highland Lake Relay September 23, 2006

Athletes from Winsted and the surrounding area will have a chance to test their skills swimming, paddling, running and cycling in the town’s first Highland Lake Relay, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23.

The action begins at 9:30 a.m. at Resha Beach for individual ("Iron Man") and team ("Tin Man") competitions. As many as six members are allowed on a "Tin Man" team.

"We’re calling it a relay because there are four events," said Winsted Recreation Director Alesia Corso. "We’re trying it this year as a small race that is really family and community oriented, with the hope that it will expand in the future."

The first event is a road race from Resha Beach to Holland Beach. Competitors will then climb into canoes and kayaks, paddle back to Resha Beach and around a buoy, then return to Holland Beach, where the bicycling portion of the race will commence.

Bikers will travel clockwise around the lake, past Holland Beach to Resha Beach. The final event is a swim beginning and ending at Resha Beach.

The theme for the Highland Lake Relay is "It’s All About Fun." Members of the Highland Lake Watershed Association are helping organize the event. Proceeds will benefit the Winsted Recreation Department’s Community Events Fund.

Budget cuts this year eliminated $6,200 from the Community Events Fund, Corso said, so events like the Highland Lake Relay are helping make up the shortfall.

"We’re hope to make money to pay for events such as the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Santa on Main Street and the Kids’ Festival," she explained.

For more information, send an e-mail to recreation@townofwinchester.org or call the Winsted Recreation Department at 860-379-8670.

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