Cool Weather, Some Rain Challenges Triathletes

It was a dreary, overcast and misty day Aug. 17 as 43 triathletes of all ages and from all around the region gathered to test their mettle against three long-distance events. Participants were required to swim, run and bike to course against their fellow participants. According to organizer Carin Barnett, this year the race included a kayaking alternative in order to give the non-swimmers an opportunity to compete.

Barnett commented on the uncertainty of many to enter such a challenging race. A fact she pointed out was especially true for first-time athletes. "Piper Johnson was a first year participant in the youth division," explained Barnett, "I think she had her own uncertainty as so many first year participants do as they're not sure just what to expect. But once she got there we could see the smile on her face and she was truly just having a great time. She ended up taking first in the youth girls as well."

Despite cooler conditions and intermittent rain, this year's event was better attended than years past. Barnett said that 43 athletes came out to participate compared to 32 the year prior.

"I think it was another successful year," stated Barnett, "We saw many returning athletes trying to better their times and they were definitely successful in that. We saw many first year participants just giving it a 'tri'."

As for organizing such an extensive race, Barnett was grateful to a number of volunteers who came out to support the race. One such volunteer was Jessica Pehlke who helped with race check-ins and timing. Other volunteers assisted with the water safety portion of the race which required over half a dozen volunteers.

"I am very thankful to have had so many volunteers such as Mitch Willet, Sheri Turner, Glen and Stephanie Meiers, offering kayak support for the swimmers while Clay Berger and Don Gay patrolled in their boat. Saul Hansen and Lylie Foster were lifeguards on duty."

The Valley County Sheriff's Office and EMS crews were on hand as well for road safety and emergency support. Barnett also thanked Bridger Barnett for assisting each kayaker to shore and then proceeding to carry each kayak up the long sets of stairs to be loaded.

As for next year, Barnett has plans to keep growing the event and attracting athletes looking for the challenge. "I am really looking to boost the participants for next year. I'd love to see more teams involved," said Barnett, "I love the idea of one team challenging another to participate. Such as the police challenge the sheriffs office or one wing of the hospital challenges another wing, nurses challenge doctors, so many ideas."

Barnett said her biggest challenge is getting people over the anxiety of trying something new and different than other races they have done in the past. She hopes to overcome that hesitancy in the future.

She stated, "Overall, I want people to know that although it's different than many sports in the area, I want to encourage people to try something new. That uncertainty goes away and is replaced with a huge sense of pride and accomplishment."