A total of 500 people ran, rode and swam through Onset Saturday morning, participating in the first ever "Escape the Cape" triathlon.

Hosted by race director Max Performance, the course featured a 1/3-mile swim, 10-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run.

Tom McWalters, of Thorndike, Maine, was the male and overall winner of the race, with a time of 51:24. Kathleen Lysakowski, of Ware, was the female winner of the race, clocking in at 58:02.

Participants and dozens of spectators (and cheerleaders) enjoyed mild temperatures and even some sun during the race, which began at 9 a.m. (Rain showers began promptly after the awards ceremony concluded around noon.)

Triathlon newbies and veterans alike said they enjoyed the course, which featured views of Onset Bay, Little Harbor Beach, and the East River.

"It's a great atmosphere here," said Lindsey Hagens, of Westborough. She was the first female to complete the swimming portion of the race. "It's just a lot of fun." Hagens had completed one other triathlon.

Hagens' cousin, John Rubsam, who said he's completed "a few" triathlons, also participated. "The neighborhood was very receptive," the White Plains, N.Y. resident said. "I'd definitely do it again. It was a lot of fun."

Wareham resident Linda Crowley completed the race as part of a team. Crowley completed the swimming and cycling portions of the course, while Onset resident Dolores Cleek did the running.

"The water and the bike were easy courses," Crowley said. She's not a big fan of running, so Cleek, who has completed several 10K runs, took over after Crowley finished the cycling.

"It was a great course," Cleek said. "Very well-controlled, very well organized."

And the Rochester family-members that trained together for the race (click here for the story) said they had a blast.

"It feels great," said Leigh Cecil. Her sister-in-law, Sarah Cecil, agreed.

"Now we know what to expect," Sarah said. "We'll do it again."

And mom, who was especially worried about the swimming portion, said she performed her best during the race.

"My swim was better than ever," Marsha Hartley said.

The race sold out several days ago, said Maura Richmond, one of the race coordinators.  She added: "It was a success."