FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 21, 2014) -- Competitors as young as 12 years old up to age 65 participated in Fort Benning's Reverse Sprint Triathlon May 17. There were more than 110 triathletes to take on the 5K run, 20K bike ride and 500-meter swim.

The triathlon was part of the Fort Benning Race Series, in partnership with TriColumbusGa.

In his first race, top finisher Gerard Sclafani, a specialist with B Company, 3rd Infantry, 75th Regiment, posted a time of one hour, two minutes and 31 seconds.

"I'm pretty excited," he said. "I didn't expect it."

More of a runner, he began bicycling and swimming about a year ago, he said. Sclafani said the race held special meaning for him.

"I did this for (Spc.) Cody Patterson and (Sgt.) Patrick Hawkins," he said. The two are fallen Rangers, and his friends, who died during a recent deployment.

"When I was getting really tired and pretty bent out, I just kept thinking about those guys," Sclafani said. "That is what motivated me."

The next race is the Chattahoochee Challenge Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon starting at 7 a.m. July 19 in Uptown Columbus.

This is the first year TriColumbusGa partnered with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Sports, Fitness and Aquatics program for a series of eight races.

For more information about registration and other races, visit www.benningmwr.com or www.tricolumbusga.com.