On behalf of nearly a thousand athletes who took part in this year's Seacrest-TOBAY Triathlon, I would like to personally thank the residents of the Oyster Bay community for making everyone feel welcome and for your patience and your understanding on the morning of the race.

The Seacrest-TOBAY Triathlon is the largest Triathlon in the entire New York Metropolitan area, and we like to think that it is also the best. It is a tremendous showcase for Oyster Bay Harbor, Roosevelt Park, and the natural beauties of the Oyster Bay area. Without the friendly attitude of local residents toward the event and its participants, this great event would simply not be possible. Thank you all for being such gracious hosts!

Our thanks also go out to Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, to the town board, and to commissioner Kennedy and the wonderful staff of the town's Department of Recreation and Parks. Our town fathers are truly outstanding in their support for recreational sports, and we are especially pleased that two members of the town board - Councilman Len Symons and Councilwoman Christine Preston - were among the competitors in this year's Triathlon.

This was our eleventh year, and we look forward to another great event in 1999. In the meantime, we welcome the constructive comments and suggestions of local residents as to how we can do even better next year and as to how we can minimize any inconveniences to local residents that may result from the triathlon.

Mike Polansky, president

Plainview-Old Bethpage Road Runners Club