By Tiffany Stasny
Photos by Courtney Johnson
ISSUE #24, Fall 2004 – Amid a crisp Colorado morning adorned with a colorful hot air balloon display at race start, this year’s 5430 Triathlon once again received accolades for excellence as a top-notch venue with stellar competitors and an agile volunteer base.
Over 450 competitors, plus hundreds of volunteers, supporters and members of the media attended the 2004 5430 Triathlon on Sunday, July 18th at the Boulder Reservoir.
After breaking the course record, claiming first place and winning $2,500 in the Pro men’s division, world-class triathlete Cam Widoff stated, “I was happy with my strong finish. It was a well-run event in the heart of the endurance Mecca of Boulder. My training going into the event helped me to have a record setting day.”
“I would like to extend a special thanks to all of the great volunteers and support staff,” added Widoff.
While Widoff took the lead from New Zealander Kieran Doe early in the run, it was not until mile 10 of the 13.1 mile run that Claire Murray, from Hong Kong, passed Monica Caplan, who had led the women’s field from the start. Caplan, coming off a full IRONMAN race two weeks prior, just did not have enough to hold off the fast charging Murray.
In it’s third year, the 5430 Triathlon/Duathlon is one of the premier USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned events in the country. Nearly 500 competitors raced in the 1.2 mile swim / 56 mile bike / 13.1 mile run triathlon and 6.5 mile run / 56 mile bike / 6.5 mile run duathlon.
“Overall participation was up by 30% from last year,” noted race director Barry Siff. “I was completely floored by the phenomenal volunteer support, and the hot air balloon display over the race start was breathtaking,” added Siff.
The event was produced by 5430 sports, and was made possible by 2004 sponsors: Go Fast Energy Drink, Pearl Izumi, Trek, HeadBlade, Holiday Inn Express, Fleet Feet, Boulder Running Company, Craft, Balance Bar, Gatorade, Sports Garage, Wild Oats and OutsidebySide.com.
