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Great things come in threes

Contributed by: Vern Swanagon on 8/15/2006

Highlands Ranch can add another success story to its 25th Anniversary portfolio, the first Highlands Ranch Triathlon.

On Aug. 12, the Highlands Ranch Community Association provided the Splash, Mash and Dash Triathlon as part of the HRCA Highlands Ranch Run Series. This inaugral event featuring three fitness challenges demonstrated the commit to get fit attitude this community has long been known for.

Great things really did come in threes as over 300 participants swam, biked and ran in this landmark event. The Triathlon required each athlete to swim a total of 800 yards, pedal 13 miles around the Ranch and run 3.1 difficult miles on Highlands Ranch trails. Over 40 volunteers quickly got in the spirit of the event, making sure that the race was managed effectively and safely while cheering and encouraging the participants.

The evening before Race Day, two meetings were held to provide information for participants and to provide them with the necessary materials for the race. Christina Johnson, Packet-Pick-up Captain, made sure each athlete received a packet containing a chip timing bracelet to electronically record their time, a bike bib, helmet sticker, running bib and color-coded swim cap.

On race day, during the pre-race preparation, athletes were required to have their body marked with their bib number, age and their start time. In line, many of the participants expressed excitement and the anxiety of having never attempted an event like this before. Close to 70percent of those who registered were first-timers. Others were seasoned athletes with confident grins and triathlete gear. In the air was the feeling of being a part of something big.

Having a Triathlon in their backyard inspired many people, ranging in age from 13 to 63 years to test their endurance. One of those triatheletes was Marcia Barber. Marcia is 50 years old. As a blind triathlete, Marcia faced the challenge with her guide, Barry Wick. Marcia swam and counted her strokes while Barry provided poolside guidance.

Marcia then rode a tandem bike with Barry, and ran the course next to Barry. Marcia's accomplishment was inspiring to watch. A difficult feat to accomplish without limitations, Marcia demonstrated that boundaries don't exist. Marcia finished with a time of 1:57:29 which earned her 6 th place for her age group. She came in 89 th out of 144 females in the Triathlon.

Bill Swearingen was the overall male winner with a time of 1:11:03.0, and Kylie Ramsey was the overall female winner with a time of 1:14:43.8. Both of these athletes were well-prepared and amazing to watch. Many athletes had cheering sections of family and friends as they transitioned from one area to the next and crossed the finish line. Each athlete had their own story of courage and determination as they took on the lengthy swim, demanding bike course and finished with a difficult run on hilly terrain.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Department played an integral role in the Splash, Mash and Dash. They provided on the spot support throughout the event, directing traffic, and interacting with participants.

Highlands Ranch Run Series Director, Heath Adcock, noted that "they were great to work with as were all the volunteers." Managing a Triathlon takes a tremendous amount of organization and teamwork. As Director, Heath was ultimately accountable for the coordination of effort and the success of the event, and no detail was left behind as he prearranged the team's tasks.

Matt Muller, the Facility Supervisor for the Recreation Center at Northridge, Tess Paultier, Assistant Facility Supervisor, Shirley Cleary, Aquatics Coordinator, and members of their staff teams, all provided resources and race day support. During the event, Bob Wiersma, the Bike Captain, traveled the bike course throughout the race to check on the safety of the intersections and the water stations.

In the swim area, Tasha Thomson, the Swim Captain worked hard to make sure each athlete was started in the correct lane and according to their assigned time. Mike Shellman, the Volunteer Captain, directed athletes from the pool area to the bike transition area, where athletes mounted their bikes.

With direction from Steve Berninzoni, the Packet-Pick-up Captain who was doing double duty in the bike area, bikers fastened their helmets for stage two. Bikers returning from their 13 mile journey were directed by Transition Captain, Darci Freeman, who made sure that they got their bike stored and were on the run course as quickly as possible with a smile and a word of encouragement.

Run Captain Marianne McCauley made sure the run course was manned with volunteers and water before the first athlete arrived, and then stayed near the transition area to applaud as the runners got took off.

Throughout the day, Run Series Specialist Kristi Fitzgerald stayed cool and collected as she answered questions, moved from area to area and provided continuous support. Kristi worked with sponsors and athletes as well as volunteers. As the Run Series Specialist, Kristi played a tremendous role in the management of the event.

Afterwards, everyone seemed to agree that the Splash, Mash and Dash Triathlon was a tough challenge, but a fun one. Athletes and volunteers are already looking forward to next year's Triathlon. Many participants called and emailed the Race Series staff to say what a great time they had, and to ask, "When are we doing the next one?" With positive support in place for this event, the HRCA is confident that their Run Series and the Splash, Mash, and Dash Triathlon will continue to grow.

Next up, in the Run Series, is the Oktoberfest, family-friendly 5K Run on September 16, 2006. This run, the final in the 2006 Race Series, will be held as part of the Oktoberfest celebration at Town Center. The Run Series Awards will be given at this event, along with awards for the run itself. Mark your calendar and plan to run, then stay to dance, eat and enjoy the German vendors, attractions and games. Highlands Ranch, what a great place to stay fit and have fun!

For more information on the Oktoberfest 5K Run call 303-471-7044 or email hradcock@hrcaonline.org. For detailed information visit www.highlandsranchrunseries.org or www.hrcaonline.org


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Submitted By: Steve Shultz
posted on 8/16/2006 @ 9:09:13 AM
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Awesome story and cool photos!
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Vern Swanagon

Highlands Ranch , CO

Vern Swanagon has posted 14 stories and 1 comment since joining on 8/15/2006. Vern Swanagon 's average story rating is 5.
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