FORT GORDON, Ga. (April 3, 2015) - Competitors from a wide range of athletic abilities tested their strength and endurance during Fort Gordon's second annual "Dare to Tri" sprint triathlon Saturday.
Nearly 200 participants braved morning temperatures that barely reached 40 degrees for the first part of the race. The competition kicked off in waves beginning with a timed 300-meter swim in the Fort Gordon indoor pool. From there, competitors headed outside to a transition area where they retrieved their bike and gear for a 12-mile course that ended where it began, giving competitors another chance to change their athletic gear. The race ended with a 5-kilometer run around Barton Field. Competitors were given 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete the race.
The triathlon was the second event in the Georgia Triathlon series, and third in the Fort Gordon Run Series this year. The triathlon's theme, "Dare to Tri," was created with a hope that athletes new to the event would register and compete.
"The whole idea about 'Dare to Tri' is to get newcomers out here to try it," said Neil Smith, sports director, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
" I t ' s get t ing folks exposed to another activity that's fun, it's healthy, and maybe provide a positive change in lifestyle by getting to do something different."
The event attracted people from all over the Southeast. Several drove all the way from North Carolina to participate. Sophie Bowles, 22, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was one of them. Bowles and her sister, Aubrey Lonsberry, 27, who is stationed at Fort Gordon, decided to register together. It was the first triathlon either had competed in, and at 25-weeks pregnant, it was a major accomplishment for Bowles.
"This whipped my butt," Bowles said. " The run itself was difficult, but being able to see the finish line during the whole run kept me going."
An avid runner, Lonsberry had reservations about the swimming portion at first, but once she got in, she was happy she went for it.
"I think once you get over the intimidation factor of maybe coming in last, it felt good to get out there and give it your best effort."
She did just that. Finishing in 1:45.25, Lonsberry came in 8th place for the military female category.
Finishing first in the same category was Brittany Fearnside, 27, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Like Bowles and Lonsberry, it was also Fearnside's first try at a triathlon. She was surprised she did so well, and plans to participate in more.
"It was definitely an experience," Fearnside said. "Just the overall idea of doing a swim, bike, and run together … it was really good."
It took a lot of work to make the triathlon enjoyable as possible, especially for those new to the sport, said Col. Samuel Anderson, Fort Gordon garrison commander. On top of careful planning and preparation of the event, Anderson said MWR made 25 bicycles available to train on, and the indoor pool was open earlier than normal for those who wished to train for the event.
Unique to other triathlons, Anderson said the "Dare to Tri" was the only one in an estimated 50-mile radius that took place at an indoor pool. Most take part in a lake or similar body of water. Having the swim portion indoors is a good introduction to the sport.
"For most (newcomers), a triathlon in the lake is too intimating for them to try," Anderson said. "This one was designed so that if they get tired, they can hang on the rail, and there's no shame in that. That's what makes this race so good."
Anderson, 47, was deeply involved in organizing last year's first triathlon, and competed in both. He said he looks forward to the triathlon's return next year as part of the run series, intended to get the community outside and healthy.
"It's a good way to bring the military community together in a way that is fun and healthy," Anderson said. "For the people who aren't on Fort Gordon, it's also a chance to showcase the installation to them and see the type of effort that we put into our sports' programs."
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