The annual Billy Loutit Despatch Triathlon is in the books for another year.
The two-day event, welcoming local and visiting athletes for both the Kids Of Steel on Saturday and the adult race on Sunday, went off without a hitch. Both days were blessed with sunny skies and organizers worked hard throughout the weekend to make sure the event ran smoothly. By the time the last racer had crossed the finish line on Sunday, all involved were happy (and tired).
“The three things we focus on are, make it safe, make it fun, and make it competitive. All three were covered off,” explained race director Al Fisher.
About 100 athletes took part in the event over the weekend, testing their limits during the swim portion at the Athabasca Landing Pool before hitting the pavement for the run and cycle portions. This year, even Billy Loutit veterans didn’t know what to expect as the cycle course was changed due to the bridge construction in town. But Fisher noted that the athletes were able to make the adjustment.
The race itself can never be considered easy, however.
“We hear it year after year, (that) it’s the most fun race and it’s one of the hardest races,” he said.
“It’s a very tough course,” agreed Joe MacIsaac, who nevertheless won the men’s standard race.
His wife Jennifer Jones was the winner of the women’s standard race.
“It was a really fun and enjoyable race,” she said. She had won the race before, but wasn’t shooting for the victory this year.
“I don’t think about that at all. Every year I hope to finish.”
Both winners lauded the efforts of the organizers. Fisher noted the contributions of volunteers, the Town and the Rotary and Lions Clubs.
In the Kids Of Steel event, the girl and boy winners included Claire Francis and Matthew Liddell (7-under), Alyssa Olson and Maxim Makovey (8-9), Anna MacIsaac-Jones and Kieran Michalczuk (10-11) and Fiona MacIsaac and Michael MacIsaac-Jones (12-14).
In the standard adult races, the female winner was Jennifer Jones, with Joe MacIsaac winning the men’s race. The Chick Magnets won the team race.
In the sprint adult races, Christina Guay won for women and Matthew Guay was the top male. The team of Chyczik/Maidens/N. Winter won the team event.
Winning the ‘Not Dead Yet’ award for the oldest racer was Richard Roberts, while Cathy Flood received the LC Spirit Award.
