First Ski Anthony Lakes Triathlon

AND THEY’RE OFF: The first leg of the Ski Anthony Lakes Triathlon March 16, above, was a 3-kilometer run. Ron Bennett, right, races through the challenging second leg, the bike leg, and went on to win the men’s overall title. - Photos courtesy SKI ANTHONY LAKES

The first leg of the race was a 3-kilometer run. Competitors found it difficult to obtain secure footing, making for a long slog.

After pumping up the last hill to the bike exchange, racers snagged up their bikes and attempted pedaling against the soft, fresh-fallen snow. Comical and entertaining for spectators, the bike leg was by far the most treacherous for racers. Most ran along side of, or carried their bikes through the second leg.

With the worst over, triathletes quickly geared up in their cross country ski equipment and headed on the last 3k of the inaugural Winter Triathlon at Ski Anthony Lakes.

Crossing the finish line first was Ron Bennett, with a time of 59.40

The fastest woman was Ski Anthony Lake’s own Dona Houtz with a time of 114.32.

Plans are already under way for the second annual Ski Anthony Lakes Winter Triathlon next spring.

Sponsors of this year’s race were The Mountain Works, Hammer Gel, Unicel, Safeway, Union County Tourism, Visit Baker and Ski Anthony Lakes.

Complete results

Men

13 and younger: Sergio Morris, 132.33

20-24: Chris Mello, 157.05

30-34: Toby Chamberlain, 131.05

35-39: Brain Vegter, 121.06; Sean Bensen, 132.51

45-49: Dan Hansen, 116.36

50-54: Russ Morris, 105.12

Russ West, 105.48

Dan White, 110.22

55-59: Ron Bennett, 59.40

Women

25-29: Dawn Chamberlain, 131.04

30-34: Amy Bensen, 138.44   

40-44: Dona Houtz, 114.32

50-54: Carol Glaser, 115.36

Men Overall:

1. Ron Bennett

2. Russ Morris

3. Russ West

Women Overall:

1. Dona Houtz

2. Carol Glaser

3. Dawn Chamberlain