Maine Women Raise $2.3M Fighting Cancer Through Triathlon

On a cloudless Sunday morning in South Portland, more than 1,200 women stood on the shores of Casco Bay, ready to declare war on cancer one stroke, pedal, and stride at a time.

The 19th annual Tri for a Cure brought together survivors wearing pink swim caps, first-time triathletes with nervous excitement, and veteran competitors united by a single mission. Together, they raised $2.3 million for cancer prevention, early detection, and access to care across Maine.

"You belong here," race co-founder Julie Marchese told the crowd before the start. "Whether you've been training for months or wondering if you can actually do this, today is your day."

Marchese, herself a cancer survivor, competed for the first time this year after serving 17 years as race director. She watched as dozens of hands shot up when she asked how many first-timers were participating.

The triathlon challenged participants to swim a third of a mile in open ocean, bike 15 miles to Cape Elizabeth and back, and finish with a three-mile run. Some tackled all three stages solo while others formed teams with names like "Friends Make It Fun."

Betsy Parker of Yarmouth serves as a "swim angel," helping nervous swimmers transition from pool confidence to ocean reality. "I used to be very competitive, but I'm not competitive anymore," she said. "I do it to raise money, to support the cause, and I love supporting new athletes."

First-timer Sheila Conlan of Cumberland honored two aunts who died from cancer. WEX CEO Melissa Smith led a 21-person team from the event's presenting sponsor, missing only one year in the event's history when she was pregnant.

Volunteers called "strippers" waited at the water's edge to peel off wetsuits in seconds. Mary Rowan, one of the volunteers, called the experience "so rewarding and fulfilling."

The Ripple Effect

Since its debut in 2008, Tri for a Cure has generated more than $26 million for cancer care in Maine. The funds support prevention programs, early detection initiatives, and treatment access for residents across the Pine Tree State.

Maine Cancer Foundation Executive Director Ray Ruby brought his seven and nine-year-old daughters to witness the event. "I want them to see what I see, to feel what I feel, being around the most incredible women in this country," he told the crowd.

Throughout the route, families held signs and rang bells. One little girl's poster declared she was her mother's biggest fan. Another family wore matching "Support Squad" shirts.

The atmosphere blended determination with joy as pop music from Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys filled the air. Some athletes wore pink glitter on their cheeks as they splashed, danced, and dove into the water.

Ali Maksimova of South Portland competed in her third Tri but her first solo effort. "I love the cause and the environment," she said, "and I love how all the money goes back to the Maine Cancer Foundation."

Three Portland runners crossed the finish line together in unison, embodying the event's spirit of collective strength over individual glory.