Focus Story
Weather dominates headlines during the Hy-Vee Triathlon
By Dave Mable
Race directors have many things to worry about when hosting an event. They hope they have a unique event, an interesting course, a good looking T-shirt, quality awards, accurate timing and scoring, enough participants, etc. But there is one thing, above all, that can make or break the success of any event, and that is the safety of all participants, volunteers, staff and spectators. Even if everything else goes picture perfect, injuries will have any race director tossing and turning for days.
Changing an event due to circumstances out of our control is an agonizing decision for the director and leadership team, even for a small-town, weekend 5K race. When that decision affects the lives of thousands of participants, volunteers, spectators and sponsors, it becomes even more agonizing.
Mother Nature has a way of reminding us of that. Even though we want to be, we really are not in control when an outdoor event is planned.
news bits
Lisa Koll exits ISU as NCAA national champion
Iowa State Senior, Lisa Koll, from Ft. Dodge, caps off a stellar collegiate career with not one, but two victories at the NCAA National Championship meet in Eugene Ore., June 9-12. She opened with a 10,000 meter victory nearly a minute ahead (32:49.45) of Iowa State sophomore Betsy Saina (33:13.13). Koll was focused until the final lap when, encouraged by her coach to enjoy the moment, she looked over her shoulder and saw an ISU jersey following in second. Knowing Iowa State had a 1-2 finish ahead, she ran the last lap with a smile from ear to ear.
Koll closed out her collegiate running career 24 hours later by winning the 5,000 meter run. The bittersweet victory in 15:23 was the 11th fastest ever run by a collegiate runner. Koll, while sad to leave Iowa State, is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Next up for Koll is the USAT&F National Championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines June 23-27.
First Annual Mullet Classic Fat Tire Festival this August
Expanding on the three year old Lake Aquabi Mountain Bike Race, Jed Gammell and Rob Versteegh announce the first annual Mullet Classic Fat Tire Festival to be held the same weekend. Lake Aquabi State Park will host the two-day festival that begins with a mountain bike skills clinic on Saturday evening, open for anyone wanting to improve their skills on a mountain bike.
Sunday is race day and includes the IMBCS categories for beginner, sport and expert racers vying for the season long Iowa Mountain Bike Championship Series points. In addition, a 40-mile open category endurance cross country race will be held for both individuals and relays teams. Gammell promises that the beginner-friendly course will be both fun and fast. Tune in to bikeiowa.com for details as the fat-tired weekend approaches.
Racing opportunities for triathletes
Registration is currently open for a couple of great events for kids and adults alike.
While disappointed, the kids unable to participate in the Hy-Vee Triathlon have a second opportunity for a big-time race in Des Moines as the Flatland Kids’ Triathlon makes its debut on July 10 at Gray’s Lake. Offering races for kids age 6 through 17, there will be a race for every level. Registration is open for participants, and volunteers are needed for this day-long celebration of triathlon. Register at www.flatlandkidstri.com
For those wanting to complete an Olympic distance triathlon, Big Creek Triathlon is celebrating its 30th birthday this year, just north of Polk City. A long tradition of racing makes this race a special one, and the early August weather makes a rain-out unlikely. Known for its fast course, many athletes will set a personal record at Big Creek. The Big Creek Triathlon is a part of the season-long Flatland Multisport Race Series. Held on Sunday, Aug. 8, registration is currently open and can be found at www.flatlandseries.com.
Ichi Bike Opens In Beaverdale
Ichi — Japanese for “number one” — opened its doors on May 8. Owner Dan Koenig, a Des Moines Area tattoo artist, has a passion for vintage bikes and enjoys breathing new life into old steeds. He prefers old Schwinn balloon tire cruisers, because of their graceful lines and solid construction. After finding tired, old bikes, Koenig will strip them to the frame and powder-coat in vibrant colors. He then rebuilds them into townies, muscle bikes and choppers, complete with gorilla hanger handlebars and banana seats. Hopping on one for a spin around the block, you just cant help but smile! Click on www.ichibike.com for photos of some of his recent renovations.
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Jason McCartney, cyclist
Jason McCartney of Coralville lives the dream life of a professional cyclist, or rather that which might be compared to that of the life of a dog — sled dog, to be exact.
Sled dogs are amazing athletes but are expected to work hard day in and day out for their master. A dog might be pulling at the harness, nose stuck behind the butt of the dog in front, for hours, covering 25 miles of trail by lunch, only to be expected to do the same thing in the afternoon. Mile after mile. Up hills and down. Pulling at the harness. Hours on end.
Sounds torturous, but hey love it. If you’ve never seen a sled dog pop up from a deep sleep at the jingle of the harness, you should. Ears are up, tail wagging, barking, pawing at the harness until they are clipped into the gangline and on the trail. The excitement in their eyes and voices when they are harnessed for a run or a race clearly illustrates this deep seated genetic drive to pull that defines modern sled dogs of the north.
dave's picks
Midnight Madness 10K & 5K Run
July 10, 7:30 p.m. • Ames
www.amesmidnightmadness.com
The Midnight Madness 5K and 10K rises to the top because of its evening race time, thick crowds and great post-race meal and party. Nearly 1,000 people race the 5K, which starts at 7:30 p.m. and benefits from the 1,000 runners waiting for the 8:30 p.m. 10K to start, while the 10K runners enjoy the cheers from the 5K runners after their race. Coming over the final hill to see the brightly lit downtown finish, and cheering fans lining the final several blocks is a treat for every runner. The crowds lining the streets, the evening finish, the pasta, the beer and the music all add up to make this a highlight of the summer racing season.
Caption: Great crowds make runners forget any pains they have as they are cheered on through the 5K and 10K races.
Iowa Games Triathlon
July 11, 8 a.m.
Swim 400 meters, bike 13 miles, run 3.1K
Ogden, Don Williams Lake
www.iowagames.org
At only $27, this is a beginner-friendly, easy-access, well-run and fun event. The swim, at 400 yards, is over quickly, the bike is fairly flat and the 5K run takes you through the beautiful Don Williams Park. As an Iowa Games event, each participant is welcome to participate in the Iowa Games Opening Ceremony in Ames on July 16, and medals are awarded to the top three in each five-year age group.
Caption: Photo by Todd Steinberg
Fifth Season Race 8K & 5K Run
July 4, 7:30 a.m.
Cedar Rapids
www.fifthseasonrace.com
While I’ve personally never had the chance to run this race, 2,000 other runners can’t be wrong! With $18,000 in prize money, you know the fastest runners in the country will make the trek to Cedar Rapids to celebrate the 4th of July. The unique prize list awards not only the top10 overall, but also the top five Iowans, top three Masters and top three from Marion County. Come for the race, stay for the fireworks.
Bicycles, Blues & BBQ Fest
Criterium, Road Race and Charity Bike Ride
July 9-11, Clear Lake
www.bicyclebluesbbq.com
Held in conjunction with the Annual Clear Lake Blues Festival, this is a weekend-long treat of great cycling, music and food. While the music and BBQ fire up on Friday night, cycling starts on Saturday morning with a charity bike ride around the lake. NASCAR style criterium bike racing gets started at 1 p.m. on Saturday at City Park. Racing continues on Sunday with an Iowa Cup Series Road Race starting at the Surf Ballroom at 10 a.m.
Caption: Photo by Steve Fry
