Saturday, June 8: the morning was fine, with a cool breeze. Nerves jangled, hearts pounded and minds focused on a challenging test of fitness and willpower.
One hour, 18 minutes and 29 seconds later Murray Tuininga raced home … a performance that began a triumphant weekend for Barrhead area athletes in the Spirit of Westlock Triathlon.
Fourteen local adults and two children took part in events on Saturday and Sunday that drew people from around the province, including Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.
Most of the triathletes achieved personal bests and many were awarded medals.
Among many standout performances were victories by two Neerlandians: Karen Wierenga in the women 50-59 category and Ralph Pontier in men 60-69 category. Roy Babiuk also excelled with fourth place in the men 40-49 group.
Saturday’s event involved a 750m swim, the equivalent of 30 lengths, a 21k bike ride and a 5k run within town.
“I always have a good time,” said Margaret Osborne, a Women On Wheels member who took second place in the 50-59 category. “I tend to be nervous at the beginning and then when it is over I’m proud of what I’ve done.”
Osborne said the weather had been great, with just the right amount of wind.
“It was very nice early in the morning,” she said. “The rain did not come until after it was all over.”
Osborne, who is looking forward to competing in the Queen of Heart’s Triathlon on September 21, was pleased with her time of 1:33:34, about five minutes slower than Karen Wierenga.
She said several participants saw a marked improvement in swim times, thanks to tri-training workouts at the Barrhead Kinsman Aquatic Centre.
Sessions began in early April – Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m. – under the guidance of Karen Lutz and Tonya Card.
“Others credited a run clinic, offered weekly throughout May and June, as the reason they were able to improve their performances,” Osborne said.
Meanwhile, Kaden and Kyler Tuininga placed first and second respectively in their age groups in Westlock’s inaugural Kids Triathlon on Sunday.
On the same day Barrhead were represented in the St. Albert Kids of Steel Triathlon.
Sydney Miller placed 28th out of 42 participants in the girls 8 &9 age group and Sarah Lutz placed 3rd in the 14 &15 age group.
