Northeast College Chiropractic Students Support IRONMAN Athletes With Hands-On Care at Jones Beach

Northeast College of Health Sciences continued its tradition of supporting endurance athletes and community wellness at the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 New York – Jones Beach triathlon, held Saturday, Oct. 24.

After severe weather postponed the original Sept. 26 race, the rescheduled event, dubbed 70.3 Jones Beach 2.0, drew a smaller field of athletes but the same strong support from Northeast. Assistant Dean of Clinical Education Dr. Daryon Ray joined Long Island Campus faculty and staff Drs. Veronica Wicks, Lloyd Hemsey and Maria Lugo-Perez, along with 10 student clerks, including first- and fourth-trimester chiropractic students, to provide complimentary care while gaining hands-on experience in a real-world sports setting.

The triathlon challenged athletes to complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. Northeast's team welcomed athletes and community members, providing chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage and assisted stretching to 120 patients.

Real-World Experience, Meaningful Community Impact

For Northeast chiropractic students, events like IRONMAN provide opportunities to apply their clinical training beyond campus while working alongside experienced faculty and engaging with athletes from a variety of backgrounds.

Under faculty supervision, students gain firsthand experience assessing patient needs, providing individualized care and supporting recovery in a fast-paced sports environment.

“Events like IRONMAN give our Long Island Campus students valuable hands-on experience while allowing us to provide complimentary chiropractic care to athletes and community members,” said Dr. Daryon Ray, assistant dean of clinical education. “It's a great example of how Northeast combines real-world clinical education with our commitment to serving the communities around us here in the New York City metro area.”

Building Connections Through Sports Chiropractic

Northeast's involvement in IRONMAN is part of its broader commitment to sports chiropractic education and outreach. Through partnerships with athletic organizations, sporting events and community initiatives, students have opportunities to explore the role of chiropractic care in athletic performance, injury prevention and recovery.

Supported by its ongoing relationship with the IRONMAN Foundation, including previous grant funding for equipment and on-site services, Northeast College continues to expand opportunities for students to develop teamwork, adaptability and patient-centered care skills while making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves.