AMESBURY — Nearly 450 swimming, biking, and running athletes scoured Amesbury's Lake Garner on Saturday for the 3rd Annual Powow Triathlon, and for the third consecutive year, it was a celebration of community spirit, sportsmanship, and the drive to stay young in mind, body, and soul.
The Powow Triathlon, helmed by co-race directors Andy Hawke and Heidi Thompson, is a sprint triathlon that is comprised of a half-mile swim, a 12.5 mile bike race, and then a three-mile run. This year's individual champion was Dean Philips of Wenham, Mass, who the only athlete to clock in at a time under one hour (59:09).
In the triathlon's first three years, it's popularity has exploded as slightly over 100 more participants have joined since the inaugural event in 2007 and it's certain, that the historic town of Amesbury will only harbor athletes in the years to come.
A Powow competitor since its inception, Newburyport's Stratton Lloyd, the area's top finisher with a 7th place standing and a time of 1:05:46, explained that the popularity of triathlon competition is increasing and that the Powow is prime evidence of how to keep that figure on the rise.
"It has a lot to do with how well-run this event is. Andy Hawke and the folks that run it really improved the course" explained Lloyd, who despite placing sixth last year, still recorded a better overall-time. "The region we live in is known for its abundance of runners and athletes, and I think the large radius of interested people is beginning to take notice."
The improvement of the Powow course was felt in every transition. The swim was improved due to a more pronounced course and better buoy positioning; the bike ride was more of a straight-shot, with less technical turns that enabled riders to put an emphasis on speed; and the run was designed into an all-around safer course.
Coming in 18th place with a time of 1:10:22 was Newburyport's Stuart Olsen, who noted the clear improvement of the bike portion.
"I was very pleased with the run and bike transitions," said Olsen. "The safety factor was never in question. Last year, there were a couple sections that basically had competitors crossing traffic, but the role of the volunteers this year was evident; it was just a much-improved and safer course this year."
Triathlon athletes come in droves to test their limits and their resolve, and though some arrive to simply finish, and others show to place or win, there lies a unique and personal story to each and every participant.
Newbury resident, 32-year-old Jeff Trail placed 20th with a time of 1:11:01; a six-minute improvement and a 21 place decrease. Trail attributed it to hard training, weight loss, and a new bike, but the strength of his legs and arms could not compare to the inspiration that was held aloft on the course sideline.
"I had a baby daughter nine months back," said Trail. "I knew that she and my wife were there and that thought definitely kept me inspired.
"I needed it too, because this event is getting more and more competitive."
As the sun set on Lake Gardner, and the multitude of tents once filled with massage therapists and chiropractors and free food were packed away, and the aura of competition still lingered in the cooling dusk air, the 3rd Powow came and went, but not without its share of sweat, pain, and pride.
Locals in the Powow Top 50
7th — Stratton Lloyd — Newburyport — 1:05:46
16th — Peter Katavalos — Newburyport — 1:10:05
18th — Stuart Olsen — Newburyport — 1:10:22
20th — Jeff Trail — Newbury — 1:11:01
24th — Matthew Gentile — West Newbury — 1:11:01
25th — Zachary Ells — Amesbury — 1:12:04
26th — Donald Dwight — West Newbury — 1:12:58
30th — Jessen Wehrwein — Newburyport — 1:12:58
34th — Jean Chris Bertrand — Salisbury — 1:13:12
36th — Andrew Sidford — Newburyport — 1:13:21
38th — Bill Ganzenmuller — Rowley — 1:13:54
42nd — Courtney Luck — Newburyport — 1:15:00
45th — Greg Scruton — Georgetown — 1:15:19
46th — John Whitcomb — Newburyport — 1:16:04
An emotional Iverson returns to Philly
Jackson on his desire to be a better leader
Hamels on Harper and free-agency
Manuel is helping the Phillies loosen up
Fans prove they're not fair-weather fans
Sixers confident in their fans
Are the starters feeling extra pressure?
The Sixers are prepared to win or go home
Kelce reflects on his first year as an Eagle
Brandon Bass 1-on-1
Nix talks about going to the DL
Are the Sixers falling apart?
McCarthy and Wheeler recap the Phillies' loss
What is wrong with Roy Halladay?
Bob Ryan doesn't know what to expect in game 6
Phillies on the loss to the Nationals
Phillies on Ruiz's ejection
Brandon Bass dominates the Sixers in Game 5
Sixers PGL crew on the keys to the Sixers' loss in Game 5
The Sixers on their costly turnovers in Game 5
