Sheppard holds 5th Annual Mini Triathlon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  More than 50 athletes competed in Sheppard's Fifth Annual Mini Triathlon July 11 at the main pool. Only six won the first plaque in their category. 

"The purpose of this event is to help keep our Airmen combat ready while exposing them to the triathlon sport environment," said Billy Irions, 82nd Force Support Squadron sports specialist. 

Athletes competed in a seven-lap swim, a 10K bike ride and a 5K run, he said. 

"They will swim their seven laps, with participants diving in at 30-second intervals," said Cindy Conn, the 82nd FSS chief of fitness operations. "Then they'll go from the pool straight to their sneakers and off on the 10K bike ride, directly followed by the 5K run." 

Servicemembers, retirees, family members and children competed with hopes of placing in one of six categories: 40 years and Over Male, 40 years and Over Female, 39 years and Under Male, 39 years and Under Female, Youth Male and Youth Female, she said.

Kate Teichman, a participant and 40 years and Over Female champion since 2005, said "I enjoy the annual triathlon because it encourages exercise and its fun at the same time." 

This year's winners are as follows:
· 39 years and Under Female
1st Meredith Grunden 45:00
2nd Danielle Erickson 45:31
3rd Katy Roberts 46:05

· 39 years and Under Male
1st Mark Roberts 42:12
2nd Dave Otto 42:41
3rd Tore Buehn 48:10

· 40 years and Over Female
1st Kate Teichman 55:02
2nd Sarah Fialar 55:39
3rd Bridget Gregory 59:04

· 40 years and Over Male
1st David Epler 46:17
2nd Gianluca Piccobmini 49:09
3rd Larry Schmeltzer 50:02

· Youth Female
1st Lauren Waldorf 1:01:26

· Youth male
1st Aaron Berndt 59:34