There weren't many athletes braving the wind and threatening skies Saturday, but those who tackled the inaugural Soldier Duathlon run/bike/run event had a fine time.
Morgan Arritola, 22, of Fairfield and Bill McCann, 38, of Hailey led the way along the tough 18.4-mile course that featured two 2.7-mile run segments and a 13-mile bike ride. In all, there were 11 individual racers and one relay team.
The hearty crew left the start line in downtown Fairfield at noon. They battled a tough headwind during the first run and bike segments.
McCann, a top area triathlete, ran into first transition in 16 minutes and 48 seconds followed closely by U.S Ski Team member Morgan Arritola (16:57). McCann finished with a 32:21 bike ride (49:09 at the second transition) and 18:33 second 2.7-mile run to cross the finish line in first at 1.07:42.
Women's champ Arritola had splits of 16:57, 38:10, 18:14 for a time of 1.13:21, good for second place. Not far behind in third place, the second man, was Kyle Kunz, 50, of Hailey (18:12, 36:47, 20:63 for 1.15:22).
Relay runner John Palan, junior Riley Sibbach, as well as his mom and first time duathlete, Mary Ellen Sibbach all did a great job to round out the diverse field of athletes.
There was a big barbecue in the park and lots of prizes from local sponsors including a season ski pass to Soldier Mountain. Male and female winners received a bottle of champagne and $50 for their efforts.
Women's results: 1—Morgan Arritola, 22, 1.13:21. 2—Jennette Zimmerman, 33, 1.37:43. 3—Mary Ellen Sibbach, 53, 2.37:00.
Men's results: 1—Bill McCann, 38, 1.07:42. 2—Kyle Kunz, 50, 1.15:22. 3—Dave Harrison Sr., 69, 1.31:26. 4—Erik Zimmerman, 33, 1.32:23. 5—Joe Rodriquez, 43, 1.32:38. 6—Riley Sibbach, 12, 2.12:00.
Mixed team relay: 1—John and Mandy Palan 1.32:38.