A triathlon is known as one of the toughest endurance sporting events there today. It takes endless amounts of training, perseverance and, most importantly, a whole lot of heart to complete one. On Saturday, July 13th, about 375 individuals took that challenge to conquer a fourth of a mile swim, a 12.5 miles bike ride and 3.2 mile run in the 11th annual Valparaiso Triathlon, held at Rogers Lakewood. Men and women ages 15 and up were eligible to participate in this year’s triathlon organized by the Valparaiso Parks Department.
"My favorite part about putting on this event is to see the enthusiasm that everyone has! Everyone from the volunteers, to the athletes, to the spectators… it’s just really a fun time. It is very uplifting to see this all going on," said Barbie Johnson, Administrative Assistant of the Valpo Parks Department.
Jordan Bailey, 1st place winner of men ages 20-29 category said, "My race went great! I love the Vapo Triathlon; it was the first Triathlon I ever ran about ten years ago. I live out in Bloomington now so it’s always nice to come back up to Valparaiso to race. The course is a fast one and I couldn’t have asked for better weather, it was perfect!"
Whether you were a spectator cheering on a loved one or friend, or an athlete toughing out the race, it was a beautiful and exciting day to be at Rogers Lakewood Park. The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation would like to thank the following for the donations that made the Triathlon possible: Urschel Laboratories Inc, Langer & Langer Attorneys, Smiles by Arnold, Paul Sur GMC, Aldi, Buck’s Bicycle Shop, Coastal Valley Water, Costas Coffee Company, Culver’s, Family Express, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s, Leo’s Mobile Bicycle Works and Pikk’s Tavern.