It was a grand idea by an early multisport impressario, Dave Horning: a point-to-point triathlon from the lower end of Manhattan, with a view of the Satue of Liberty, with a finish at the Liberty Bell in downtown Philadelphia. Easier said than done, but somehow most of the 140 starters made it to the finish line in Philly. Since this was 1984, the Hudson River was a bit of a question when it came to cleanliness. But viewing the start, an observer was tempted to paraphrase Butch Cassidy: "Pollution? The fall will probably kill you."
Men's winner was 20-year-old Ken Glah from West Chester, PA, who would go on to win Ironman races all over the world, race continually for more 30 years after the Liberty event and earn election to the USAT Triathlon Hall of Fame. Glah is visible in the water in the blue wet suit with his arms raised. Horning is above him in the red shirt.
Our apologies for not having a record of the women's winner. If you know, let us know, would you?
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