3rd Annual Mandan Triathlon

MANDAN, ND - The morning of August 26, 2007 dawned bright and clear and just a little on the cool side. Most inhabitants of the greater Mandan area wouldn't have known since, like any sane person, they were in bed. However, for those involved in the 3rd Annual LifeNets Triathlon, held at the Mandan Community Center, the day began far before the sun rose over the small North Dakota town.

In fact, for those involved in the planning of the triathlon the work for the event began the day after last year's triathlon. After the triathlon last year, the board members of LifeNets Bismarck took apart the event looking for chances to improve and tweak the upcoming triathlon. After the turnout yesterday it could be said that all the hard working and planning paid off.

This year brought the addition of an Olympic distance triathlon along with the sprint triathlon that has been offered the past two years. Nearly 20 individuals and teams participated in the Olympic distance this year, with ages ranging from early 20's to early 60's. There was also only one mishap for the Olympic distance (a flat tire along the 26 mile bike ride) for one participant.

With the addition of the Olympic distance to the Mandan LifeNets Triathlon additional volunteers were needed. The community stepped up with numerous volunteers from the Bismarck Demons swim teams, local Boy and Girl scouts, the Rotary Club, and Anytime Fitness, just to name a few of the organizations that gave of their time.

The Bismarck, North Dakota United Church of God congregation also gave a sizeable number of volunteers to help out in the much popular concessions area.

The night before the event the Bismarck United Church of God held a dinner at The Pizza Ranch, where LifeNets President Vic Kubik showed his thanks for their efforts in the planning of the event and the volunteers that would be at the triathlon the following day. Members from the congregation helped in the serving and preparing of food at the concessions stand, made cookies and bars for athletes, and Lyla VanOrman provided her voice for the singing of the National Anthem at the beginning of the race.

The volunteers from the Bismarck Demons swim teams started the event by counting laps for the athletes as they swam and starting the timing for the race. Volunteers from Anytime Fitness, Kohl's, and the Boy Scouts helped patrol the bike route along with former sheriff Bob Erhardt, while volunteers from the Rotary Club helped to aide runners along the running trail.

Invaluable help was provided to the concessions stand by Mary Kay Tockach and area Girl Scouts.

The day ended with the reading of the results from the race and the drawing of door prizes for participants and volunteers.

While the race may have ended for the athletes and the volunteers may have gone home, the LifeNets board is already looking back at this year's triathlon and planning next year's event.

Net proceeds from this event will go to LifeNets activities around the world and in North Dakota (www.lifenets.org).