Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Small field, big fun at Soldier Duathlon

Arritola, McCann fastest to finish


Dave Harrison Sr., 69, was the most experienced racer in the Soldier Duathlon field—and he finished in a third-place 1.31:26 to boot.

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.




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