By Lynn DeBruin
July 31, 2010 (Broomfield, CO) – Bo Richardson of Lafayette beat his top competition out of the pool by nearly one and a half minutes to claim the second annual Anthem Sprint Triathlon—a 525-meter swim, 11.7-mile bike and 5K run in Broomfield on Saturday.
Richardson covered the course in 1 hour 4 minutes 37 seconds en route to a two minute victory over Andrew Harrington, 39, Louisville. Rachel Zierlein, 31, Firestone, captured the women’s overall title with a time of 1:00:12, besting Lindsey McLauchlan (1:08:44) by more than 8 minutes.
No one was more thrilled, or surprised, however, than third-place finisher Amanda Winchester, who was competing in her first triathlon. “I’m a mom trying to get back in shape,” said Winchester, who had daughters Dakota (3 1/2) and Brooklyn (1 1/2) cheering her on. The former NCAA All-American at Fresno State in swimming was first out of the pool in 7:56.
Deanna Shaver, who long ago held the 200 freestyle record at Northglenn High School, finished fifth in the female 50-59 category and beat her goal. “I just turned 50 in December, so I decided I would do something to celebrate that year,” said Shaver, whose family sported colorful matching shirts. “It was my first triathlon and I did way better on the bike part, about what I thought on the swim and the run was brutal.”
A record 219 competitors participated in the event, a good turnout according to race director Josh Melver, considering the entree fee was raised 10 percent this year.
He estimated that 50 percent of the competitors were beginners, though there were some pros using the event as they worked their way back from injury.
An added benefit was having Team Rocky Mounts/Izze sponsor various training seminars in the week leading up to the sprint triathlon.
“It’s amazing what your kids can talk you into,” said Charlie McLauchlan, 53, Chicago. “They were the instigators,” he said of daughters Lindsey and Cory. “Their momentum sucked in other family members.”
Kim McConnell, 42, Erie, was the overall female masters winner in 1:08:44.2, while Dave Sheanin, 42, Erie, was the overall male masters winner in 1:01:35.9
