First Talkeetna triathlon deemed a success

Local runners, swimmers and cyclists competed in Talkeetna’s first annual Talkeetna Triathlon at noon on Sunday.

Resident Dan Harrell won the triathlon with a time of 00:45:37 . High school teacher Ed O’Connor finished first in the 50 yard swimming portion of the competition with a time of 00:03:39. All swimmers competed sans wetsuits in the cool damp Sunday weather.

Tim Bouwhuis won the 5 K mountain bike portion with a time of 18:10. Laura Wright and Grace Snider were the two female competitors. Laura finished with a time of 59:09  and Grace was close behind with a time of 1:02:22. All times include transitions times.  Dan Harrell, organizer and champion, says he calls the event a success because he wasn’t the only one competing.

Other residents were involved with support of the event. The athletes thank Karl Swanson and Bill Holton, Stephanie Stanley and Maureen McLaughlin for support – as well as Denali Brewing Company for donations.

The newly formed Triathlon Club would like to host more micro-triathlons next year with a culminating event in late August or early September. The club invites anyone interested to join in.

Submitted by Grace Snider