Run, swim, bike
Polson Triathlon is big hit, continues to grow
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POLSON – Athletes from far and wide poured into Polson Aug. 16 to compete in Polson’s third annual triathlon. In the three-sport event, participants competed in teams or in the men’s and women’s divisions combining a 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride, and a 10k run with the race start, swim, and transition held at Riverside park and the finish line posted in front of the Cove Deli and Pizza on Third Avenue West.
Matt Seeley, triathlon director and Polson High School cross country coach, was pleased with the outcome but is hoping with its unique layout, sweeping views, and exciting swim part of the course, more will come in the years to follow.
“I still have a vision that this will be a big regional event,” Seeley said. “But I am happy to see the same people come back.”
The men’s and women’s division each competed for cash prizes of $500 for first, $300 for second, $200 for third, $150 for fourth and $100 for fifth. Each athlete who finished in the top six also received a complimentary entry into next year’s event. Special prizes were also handed out to top the top three athletes in each age group and also to an aid station. Aid stations were set up around the course to provide water and energy gel packs to the athletes as they passed by. Each station dressed up in costumes and provided a theme using music, high fives, and plenty of encouragement. “Secret runners” along the course voted to choose their favorite station.
Matt Seeley finished first in the men’s division with a combined time of 1:58:53. Seeley also took top honors in the 2013 race. Second went to Ian Mallams with a time of 2:04:58, and finishing in third for the men was Jesse Carnes at 2:06:25. All three men boasted the top times for the entire triathlon, toppling each division’s top competitors.
“It was a pretty good day,” Seeley said. “We were sweating the weather a little but it all turned out great.”
For the woman it was neck and neck with Ali Bronsdon taking the top spot at 2:15:38. Nipping at Bronsdon’s heels was Sue Huse with a time of 2:16:17 and taking the number three spot was Jenni Brown clocking an overall time of 2:23:25.
The teams consisted of team members each taking a leg of the race and trading off during the transition period. Team Adventure Is Our Game (Logan Streit, Noah Hill, Lynette Overman) took top honors with a combined time of 2:20:06. In at second was The Three Amazing Itris (Mark Johnston, Laurie Gregory, Anna Marie Leafty) finishing with a 2:34:18. In third for the teams was Dream Team (Isaac Stene, Willie Stene, Raina Stene) with a time of 2:35:14.
An added bonus for spectators was the inclusion of a special course set up for children to compete in their very own triathlon. The fierce little athletes broke into two divisions of 8 and under and over 9. The 8 and under course consisted of a 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run. For 9 and over it was stretched a bit longer at 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike, and 1-mile run. Each child was met with a special medal at the finish line.
Seeley is hoping that the kids’ event will inspire others to participate and to know that “they do can it” as well, and to not be intimidated by the level of training or fitness it takes.
“It’s a fun thing,” he said. “It’s amazing, and hopefully we can inspire parents and spectators that they too can participate in something like this.”
One thing Seeley is proud of is the tremendous community support they have received with more than 100 volunteers and $12,000 in sponsorship money and prizes, which far exceeds the $5,000 average from the previous years. Seeley gave Glacier Bank a nod for their “huge” sponsorship, noting that in other races sometimes it is hard to acquire the sponsorship needed but “this community is great.”
Seeley definitely sees the triathlon growing each year attributing location, community support and the overall feel of the race as factors.
“We have heard good things from other people,” he said. “We’re proud of the event and how much fun it is.”
Results
Men
Matt Seeley 1:58:53, Ian Mallams 2:04:58, Jesse Carnes 2:06:25, Mike Windauer 2:24:22, Cory Soulliard 2:24:22, Griffin Rial 2:27:34.
Women
Ali Bronsdon 2:15:38, Sue Huse 2:16:17, Jenni Brown 2:23:25, Holly Walker 2:25:26, Renee Swinson 2:23:08, Edie VanBuskirk 2:36:20.
Teams
Adventure Is Our Game 2:20:06, The Amazing Three Itris 2:34:18, Dream Team 2:35:14, Bondo-Botner 2:36:40, Montana Buckeyes 2:42:19, Shipley Trifecta 2:50:17.
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