SACO — Tracy Burr describes completing last year’s Tri for a Cure as empowering.

“It’s just so inspirational,” she said. “I felt so good. Nothing can take that away from me.”

Burr, 49, will be at it again this year, participating July 26 in South Portland. The woman’s triathlon is comprised of a one-third-mile swim, a 15-mile bike ride and a 5K run.

“I won’t be the best time, but I’m here to finish and raise money,” she said. “I’m here for the cause and not to compete,” she said.

Tri For a Cure raises money for the Maine Cancer Foundation, and goes toward research and support programs in Maine.

Burr is doing the triathlon again in honor of her father, who has survived esophageal, stomach and bladder cancer.

Burr recalls the event last year, when she was having some difficulty securing her swim goggles. A fellow participant, about 20 years old, helped her, and Burr saw that she was wearing a pink swim cap, which is worn by cancer survivors. She was struck at how young this cancer survivor and athlete was.

“I remember thinking, oh my gosh, that could be my daughter,” she said.

Even without preparing for a triathlon, Burr has a full plate. She and her husband have a blended family of five children ranging in age from 8 to 28, and two grandchildren. In addition to working as an occupational therapy assistant, Burr owns Beachway Market with her husband as well as Tracy’s Eats and Treats, which provides sandwiches and baked items to 15 convenience stores.

For more information on Tri For a Cure, go to www.triforacure.org.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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