MULLICA HILL, N.J. — For a decade, the Queen of the Hill was South Jersey’s most famous all-female triathlon. Created by the Mullica Hill Women’s Tri Club (MHWTC), this newbie-friendly sprint distance triathlon drew females as young as 13 and as old as 70-plus to the starting line. Held at Lake Gilman, the race began with a quarter-mile swim, followed by an 8-mile bike, then a 5K run. There was also a duathlon (run-bike-run) and aquabike (swim-bike) at the event.

This summer marked the Queen’s 10th anniversary and included all the same traditions — a purple velvet robe with embroidered names of past winners, tiaras, cute race swag, a Royal Brunch, and lots of positive vibes.

“The excitement and electricity were just as visible as the first,” says Michelle Powell, race director and MHWTC co-founder. Only one thing was different — after 10 years of transforming the lives of more than 1,000 women, the Queen was hanging up her crown. “It was bittersweet for sure, but also a very rewarding and joyful event,” Michelle continues.

This year’s race was a fun celebration, a bittersweet farewell, and a sweet reunion all rolled into one. “There are several women who competed all 10 years,” says Colleen Fossett, MHWTC co-founder. “This year was also extra special because people hadn’t seen each other in two years due to the pandemic.”

The event drew more than 200 girls and women, some of whom were past participants. Others were newbies, eager to do the inspirational triathlon they long heard about. Some of those new faces were the daughters of longtime tri club members — little girls who cheered their moms across the finish line years ago. Now, their moms cheered for them. “One of the favorite aspects is the multi-generational part of it,” says Colleen. “I’ve seen three generations of women do this race, which has been amazing.”

The 2021 Queen of the Hill was presented by one of the tri club’s major sponsors, American Surgical Arts & ASA Aesthetics. “They were instrumental in making the day possible,” says Michelle. Other businesses helped make the day successful, including Lempert Orthopedics — who donated the post-race Royal Brunch. “We also want to thank the Harrison Township Police Department, Lake Gilman community, and all of our volunteers,” Michelle adds.

“While weather conditions were terrible, it still seemed like the best race we ever threw,” says Colleen. “That triathlon was so loved. It was a great 10 years.” Now the end of an era, Colleen and Michelle are proud of the event’s legacy: “It exposed women to the sport of triathlon and allowed them to see that it’s a sport that accepts all ages, shapes, and abilities.”

Although the Queen has taken her “final bow,” the MHWTC still remains. “The club will continue, just scaled down. It is going to become more of a multi-sport organization,” Michelle says. The club has been slowly evolving, becoming less triathlon-specific and more diversified with the types of activities offered. Expect to see more hiking, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, stand-up paddleboard yoga, and pickleball. They are also excited to add scuba diving lessons and trips. “Triathlon will still be a big part, because that’s how it started,” says Colleen.

There might even be another triathlon in years to come, according to Colleen. “It may have been the last Queen of the Hill, but it might not be the last tri.” To learn more about the Mullica Hill Women’s Tri Club, visit www.mullicahilltriclub.com.

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