Fifth Annual LifeNets North Dakota Triathlon Aug 22, 2010

Fifth Annual LifeNets Triathlon

Mandan, North Dakota

August 22, 2010

Sixty two athletes from as far away as Hawaii gathered in Mandan, North Dakota to compete in the Fifth Annual LifeNets Triathlon. The second largest triathlon in the State was held on Sunday, August 22, 2010. Many of those registered for this fun event return each year to take part in this challenging sporting event.

Instead of receiving place medals for their effort, these dedicated athletes deserved the medal of honor as temperatures rose to 104 degrees yet each person completed their swim, bike, run in the grueling heat.

One return athlete, Marnie Walth made this statement about the triathlon:

“Thank you for the great race on Sunday. I had so much fun. I was most impressed with the fantastic run course. The young man who pulled that trail together did an amazing job. It was exciting, challenging and simply gorgeous. What a great place for a triathlon. Thank you for all your hard work. I saw lots of smiling faces at the finish line. Looking forward to next year"

Every fund raising event needs volunteers to promote a successful outcome. Along with the incredible athleticism displayed on that day, the true heroes are the event volunteers. These hard working and much needed people include the North Dakota Mountain Bike Association who monitored the cross country running trail, bringing water to overheated and very thirsty runners. Bike route volunteer staff monitored intersections and highways and, in many cases, stopped traffic to ensure the safety of the cyclists during the cycling portion of the triathlon. The Bismarck Aquatic Center swim team arrived early to count laps for the swimmers when the gun went off to begin the races. There are many others to whom North Dakota LifeNets is grateful because their efforts helped make this triathlon a signature event.

Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting LifeNets projects in North Dakota. Support began when Pam Redline, President of the Chapter in the state, donated the unused portion of the concession items to Ruth Myers Hospitality House in Bismarck. This charitable organization provides shelter and food for those down on their luck and in need of support until they can get back on their feet.