Run, bike and swim

115 people take part in annual race

Don Gillespie of Crescent City puts on his running shoes after completing the bike portion of the 27th annual Crescent City Triathlon on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Crescent City Triathlon

“It was Del Norte air conditioning. It was foggy,” race director Russ Burnett said. “By the time we were done it cleared up.”

A positive aspect of the cool, foggy conditions was that it helped the participants comfort level since they were not overwhelmed by the heat. Hardly anyone grabbed any water on the route compared to last year, when “we ran out,” Burnett said.

The race, which had 115 participants this year –– from kids to seniors –– has become an annual tradition for those who like to keep fit and enjoy the gorgeous scenery the area has to offer.

“It went really well,”Burnett said. “It promotes a good, healthy lifestyle.”

The adult triathlon event consisted of a 500-yard pool swim, 12-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. The duathlon was made up of a 1.2-mile run, 12-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run.

There was also a race for children as well.

Susan Roberts, a race organizer, recalled one moment during the event which touched her deeply.

At the triathlon portion of the race, a young man, who appeared new to swimming, was the last one still in the water and was cheered on by the crowd and his fellow participants as he struggled to finish.  He eventually completed his swim to rousing cheers.

 “It was loud, fabulous, encouraging ... with everyone standing up, leaning forward, cheering him on,” Roberts said. “It was just astonishing and will remain with me, teary-eyed, forever.”

“He finished and I’ll never know his name or where he was from,” Roberts added. “But what I will know is that the other athletes showed their true colors with their overwhelming encouragement for him. They were into their support wholeheartedly and together. That is what this sport is all about.”

Burnett said that everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

“I didn’t hear any complaints,” he said. “I’d only heard compliments and the participants seemed really pleased, which is a good thing.”

Below is a list of some of the top finishers in the triathlon and duathlon.

For a complete list of finishers go to crescentcitytriathlon.com.

Women’s Triathlon

• 1. Tracy Johnson, 39, Eureka, 1:12:13

• 2. Laura Raber, 33, Eagle Point, Ore., 1:12:38.

• 3. Marita Musante, 44, Eureka, 1:16:54

• 4. Erin McBride, 48, Eureka, 1:18:47

• 5. Jessica Schneider, 29, Arcata,

1:19:52

Men’s Triathlon

• 1. Gavin Pruitt, 27, Morro Bay, 1:00:20

• 2. Ken Musante, 45, Eureka, 1:04:12

• 3. Sheldon Thuemler, 37, Crescent City, 1:06:56

• 4. Paul Valley, 29, Crescent City, 1:07:41

• 5. Jeff Geddings, 45, Grants Pass, Ore., 1:09:13

Women’s Duathlon

• 1. Brittany Jenkins, 30, Brookings,  1:33:49

• 2. Mary Olson, 30, Brookings, 1:33:52

• 3. Patricia Morey, 52, McKinleyville, 1:34:36

Men’s Duathlon

• 1. Tyrone Raber, 34, Eagle Point, Ore., 1:08:59

• 2. Paul Kraus , 50, Eureka, 1:11:45

• 3. Grant Lunde, 31, Brookings, 1:23:18