Competitive athletes and those just looking for a way to get some exercise participated in the annual Mattapoisett Lions Club Triathlon on Sunday. The athletic kick-off to Harbor Days festivities has been an annual occurrence for almost 30 years.

This year, the Lions Club's largest fundraiser saw 128 participants ranging in age from ten to the upper 70s, in both solo acts and in teams. The event included a ¼-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run.

Competitors came from all over New England, but mainly from the South Coast, to take part in the fundraiser.

Don Bamberger, president of the Lions Club, said a triathlon is chosen year after year because, “It’s not just a fundraiser, it’s a fun-raiser.”

Half of the money raised goes towards community service projects in the surrounding area, and the other half supports the National Lions Club in worldwide service missions.

Chris Phenix of Middleboro finished first overall with a time of 53:52.

Tom Gelson of Marion completed his 15^th Mattapoisett Lions Club Triathlon. Gelson finished in second place at 54:47.

“We had a very good winner. He (Phenix) had a great bike ride, and I couldn’t catch him in the run,” Gelson said.

Kim Shattuck of Bridgewater won the women’s division in a time of 58:17. She has been participating in the event for eight years and said the triathlon reminded her of her childhood.

“Every Sunday I would come with my family to Ned’s Point, so I have many memories here,” Shattuck said.

Local teachers Lynn Connor, Toby Kyle and Sarabeth Morrell competed for the first time as the Tritown Teachers Team. They said their goal was simply to have fun.

Jim Cannell was also a newcomer to the triathlon and managed to finish 37^th out of all participants. He was compelled to race because he lives in town.

“I’m from Mattapoisett, and it’s something I feel I should do,” said Cannell. “Yesterday it seemed like a good thing to do today.”

His favorite part of the triathlon? “Finishing!”