A local athlete turned a childhood connection to the Atlantic City Boardwalk into a podium finish — Jon Bruccoleri of Brigantine claimed the top spot at the CRDA Atlantic City Triathlon, completing the course in under two hours among a field of more than 1,400 competitors.
From 68th Place to First
Jon Bruccoleri's 2024 victory is the kind of progression that defines what triathlon training can produce. In his debut at the Atlantic City Triathlon in 2021, Bruccoleri finished 68th. This year, he crossed the line first with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 25 seconds — a dramatic climb that speaks to years of focused, disciplined work across all three disciplines.
The win was made sweeter by the setting itself. Running along the Atlantic City Boardwalk brought back memories of his cross country days at Atlantic City High School, giving the race a personal dimension that pure performance alone rarely delivers.
Racing the same boardwalk where he once ran cross country, Bruccoleri turned nostalgia into motivation — and motivation into a podium.
The Full Podium
Second place went to Thomas Garvey of New York City, who finished in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 22 seconds — less than three minutes behind the winner. Tom Lennon of Paramus, Bergen County, rounded out the top three with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds.
The margins at the front of the field were tight, underlining just how competitive the Atlantic City Triathlon has become as it continues to draw serious age-group and elite athletes from across the region.
A Race That Keeps Growing
More than 1,400 athletes took on the annual CRDA Atlantic City Triathlon, making it one of the larger multisport events on the East Coast calendar. The race combines an ocean swim, a cycling leg through the surrounding area, and a run along the iconic Boardwalk — a combination that rewards well-rounded fitness and smart pacing under race-day conditions.
For athletes eyeing their own breakthrough season, events like this are a reminder that consistent training and local knowledge of a course can make a decisive difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the CRDA Atlantic City Triathlon?
Jon Bruccoleri from Brigantine won the CRDA Atlantic City Triathlon with a time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 25 seconds.
How did Jon Bruccoleri perform in his first Atlantic City Triathlon?
In his first Atlantic City Triathlon in 2021, Jon Bruccoleri placed 68th.
What was the backstory behind Jon Bruccoleri's win?
Jon Bruccoleri's victory was marked by nostalgic moments as he recalled running on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, reminiscent of his time running cross country for Atlantic City High School.
Who were the runners-up in the Atlantic City Triathlon?
The second place went to Thomas Garvey from New York City with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 22 seconds, while Tom Lennon from Paramus, Bergen County secured third place with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds.
How many athletes participated in the Atlantic City Triathlon?
More than 1,400 athletes participated in the annual Atlantic City Triathlon.
Source: Press of Atlantic City
