When a positive athletic streak of almost any kind reaches 142, it’s time to sit up and take notice.
But when that skein involves hitting the age-group podium for sprint triathlons on 142 consecutive occasions, get ready to break out the bubbly.
Or in the case of Lower Makefield native Tom Dillon, at least give the man a plaque.
Which is what the Bucks County Triathlon Club plans to do on Feb. 21 in a meet-and-greet event at St. Cyril’s Recreation Hall in Jamison.
Dillon, a Pennsbury High School and Rider University graduate, took up triathlons more than 40 years ago. He was never sensational in any of the three venues but at the same time was competitive in each.
Later, he, along with Anthony Accardo, found they had a common interest in multi-sport so they put together the formation for the BCTC.
About 20 years ago, Dillon started keeping track of his top three age-group finishes as well as overall victories.
“When I started triathlon in ’85, I kind of took to it pretty quickly,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “I was never really a specialist. But combining the three was pretty much a natural to me.”
Dillon was pretty good at the original Olympic distance triathlon (a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 25K bike and a 10K run), but when the sprint competition came along, his star really began to shine.
“When the sprint distance came in, that’s when I came into my own,” he said. “It just worked out that way.”
As for the streak, it simply came about naturally.
“I really didn’t keep count from the beginning,” he said. “At first I was going along, I was closing in on 50. Then I just kept going. Didn’t really think about it. Made a hundred. Got a nice little plaque. Then forgot about the concept. But now I’m still keeping track.”
The numbers are somewhat staggering, and not just reaching the podium.
He’s finished on the top three overall podium six percent of the time, top five overall 29 percent, top 15 for 22 percent and top 20 another 20 percent for a grand total of top 20/an incredible 77 percent.
“I started this streak in 2008 when I was 51,” he said. “Once I get to 70, I thought the streak should just continue.
“It is actually easier now as I get older. And there were actually two races where my time was good enough for the podium in every age group.”
How much has the Bucks Tri Club played into his success?
“That’s been a major part,” Dillon said. “Just the camaraderie. Triathlon training is kind of a solemn endeavor, you’re by yourself to a great degree. We had plenty of satisfying training sessions of all different sorts.”
Dillon actually mapped out a swim training course in the Delaware River which the club now employs. In the decent weather months, the club swims on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Accardo and Dillon hit it off right from the start.
“Anthony one day showed up. He was a wide-eyed, young fellow,” Dillon recalled with a chuckle. “He gave us this idea about a tri club. You just saw the gleam in his eye. He made it what it is today, a great club.
“We trained hard, got good together. It was a foundation of all of us going forward for competition in tri.”
Accardo indicated the upcoming presentation is as much for Dillon’s contributions as it is for his accomplishments.
“He’s very proud of his streak,” Accardo said during a phone call. “He wants to be a mentor if you will. Someone that they look up to.
“We’re trying to recruit a new generation of triathletes. I’m impressed by how steady Tom is. As we get into that 55-60 age level, it’s tough to run. He stayed so strong on the swim, bike and his run is pretty decent. He gets it done. He’s won several races overall.”
The Steelman Triathlon, which is held each August in Bucks County’s Lake Nockamixon, is one of Dillon’s favorites.
He also has fared well at the New Jersey State Triathlon Championships.
“They have big, competitive fields,” Dillon said.
Dillon, who now resides in Bethlehem, used to be a regular at races down at the Jersey Shore, including DQ events.
He can complete a half-mile swim in 12 minutes, runs miles at sub-seven pace and maintains an eye-opening 22 miles-per-hour on the bike.
“I just want people to be inspired,” Dillon said, “and to realize what is possible with a passion for our sport and a dedication to it that can last a lifetime.”
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BCRR Polar Bear 8-Miler, 9 a.m., Tyler State Park, Newtown. Contact www.bcrrclub.com
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