For some, it was a chance to train. For others, their first race. For the race itself, a record.  With over 300 people taking part, the Mattapoisett Lion's Club hosted their 25th Annual Triathlon on Sunday kicking off harbor days with a record-breaking turnout and palpable excitement that could felt throughout Mattapoisett village.

The triathlon, which has been going on some 25 years, comprised a quarter-mile swim, 10 miles of biking and three miles of running. It has changed significantly over the course of 25 years as well.

“It started out as a row across the harbor, a bike and then a run,” Tom Muldoon, the race director, said. “Then you stopped for a beer and that was the end. So it’s gotten a bit more serious since then.” He also said in the old days, a good turnout was 40 people.

“I think it’s gotten a good name,” he added. “I’ve talked with people from Connecticut, Maine and western Massachusetts. It’s enjoyable, making a weekend of it or staying with family.”

Two athletes, Vinny Aguiar and Paul Talewsky, were seasoned vets of the race scene. Aguiar, from Foxboro and Talewsky, from Middletown, Rhode Island, have both been doing triathlons for nearly 30 years. Aguiar’s friends joked he’ competed in over 500 events.

“I like socializing with the people,” he said. “Typically you get a lot of new faces too at events like this.”

Talewsky said there are always familiar faces too. “A lot of us have been doing races for a long time so we have these friendships,” he said. “What’s unique is we don’t see each except at triathlons since we live all over.”

Both agreed that despite the competitive side, these friendships go a long way.

“If you ever need anything,” Aguiar said, “there’s a community of people are there to help you out.”

Younger athletes like Lexie Rigott and Sydney Leveckis saw this first hand. They have only done a few races but agreed that their age did not hinder them from mingling with older competitors. If anything, that gap in experience pushes them to work harder.

“The competition side of it is fun,” Rigott said before adding that a race like this can be nerve-wracking. “I was so anxious and excited in the car and just trying to keep my hands busy from being so nervous.”

But at the end of the day, the triathlon was not all about those racing. More than 60 people from the Lions Club, Mattapoisett police and fire departments and local businesses took part setting things up or directing traffic.

Spectators, of course, were in abundance as well with many like Mary Manning, there for her husband, Allan Pineda, along with his daughter, Christi.

“We just like supporting him,” Manning said. “We help get his station ready and make sure he’s got everything he needs. It’s just a nice day, there’s lots of energy, and it’s good to see everyone come together and do something positive.”