The Runovia Triathlon
Check out the story on the storm
What a weekend. Friday night saw the worst storm of the year in Kentucky. The weather continued into Saturday morning and forced the race to be postponed until Sunday. Every athlete was offered the opportunity to race on Sunday. Those that could not stay were still treated to a buffet on Friday night. They also received their race shirts, an age group award, and a finishing key chain. All those who showed up but could not stay will also be offered entry into any Headfirst Performance Services race in he next year up to and including the race they were unable to compete in. As far as I am aware, no other race that has had a forced cancellation has put on the race the next day and offered those who could not stay any other option.
Sunday saw much better weather and 21 people stayed to start the race. The main difference in the race from Saturday to Sunday was that a well supported race became basically a self service affair. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provided boats to patrol the swim course. Well stocked aid stations were set up, and several of the racers family members volunteered to help at the stations. My wife, Cynthia, and I handled everything else. Unfortunately, I blew a head gasket on my truck out on the bike course and did not get back to the staging area until most of the participants in the half had already finished. Cynthia did a great job of essentially administering the race by herself. Few people could pull it off.
The race got underway at 7:00am. Each athlete achieved something very special. The water went from beautiful and 76 on Friday to muddy, 68, and full of debris on Sunday morning. No one had any problems in the swim and times were respectable considering the obstacles.
The bike course started off with a 2 mile climb and then rolled for the rest of the way. The ride was very scenic starting in Lake Barkley State Resort Park, crossing Lake Barkley, and following the Trace through Land Between the Lakes National Park. Participants were supplied with water, sports drink, Hammer Nutrition products, several types of cookies, peanut butter and turkey sandwiches, and fruit at four points on each 56 mile loop. As if the course did not offer enough challenge Theodore Dittmer competed on a bike he had never ridden before after a 45-minute transition. His bike was dropped on the way to the race. Bicycle World from Evansville, who provided not only service, but also great entertainment for the race, could not get Theodore’s bike back in service and loaned a brand new Giant carbon fiber tri bike for the race. Theodore showed a great deal of patience and dedication for a young athlete.
The run is most likely the toughest half or full course on the roads for any triathlon. The entire run was contained within Lake Barkley State Park. Nine aid stations were provided with even more goodies than on the bike for each half.
Each athlete who finished the race achieved something very special completing the first Runovia Triathlon. The overwhelming opinion of everyone was that they had a great day and one hell of a challenge. The winners of the Full Distance were awarded custom designed and made pendants, by The Alternative Jewelry Store from Nicholasville, Kentucky. Everyone completing the full receive a finishing certificate signed by Gordon Haller, the winner of the first Hawaiian Ironman in 1978.
Complete results are posted.