BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Saturday marked an early wakeup call for roughly 160 men and women in the Capital City area — all of whom were eager to make a splash in this year’s BisMan Triathlon. “We’ve got a really great cheer crew,” states Race Director Brian Jackson, “so it’s pretty fun.” The triathlon started […]
BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Saturday marked an early wakeup call for roughly 160 men and women in the Capital City area — all of whom were eager to make a splash in this year’s BisMan Triathlon.
“We’ve got a really great cheer crew,” states Race Director Brian Jackson, “so it’s pretty fun.”
The triathlon started in the capital city in 2010, and over time, has built a tremendous following of athletes who come from across the country to compete. Jackson, who owns Mighty Missouri Coffee Co. in Bismarck, says that while the event generally attracts people in top physical condition, it is open to anyone.
“It’s a 750-meter swim,” he says, “and then straight into a 20-kilometer bike, and then a 5k run. Really, you’re competing against the clock. You’re competing against yourself. It’s one of those few sports where someone’s going to pass you and they’ll say, ‘hey, way to go’ or encourage you as you go, and vice versa. The vibes here are awesome.”
The route at McDowell Dam allows people to sign up as teams and help shoulder the load. Thankfully, many of this year’s competitors say they’ve run the gauntlet before.
“I did the tri last year,” shares participant Shawna Wing. “The whole thing. And I loved it. I loved the atmosphere. It’s very encouraging. Everyone is doing their own thing, and everyone is cheering them on. It’s not necessarily competitive, but it’s a very uplifting and positive environment.”
Wing did the swimming portion for her team, and sponsored the race with her business Myofascial Freedom and Wellness. She also adds that the experience and the thrill of this week’s competition have already inspired her to try again next year.
“I want to be able to do this for the long term,” she concludes. “You see people who have done this 20, 30 years, and it’s inspirational.”
With a combination of three miles of running, twelve miles on a bicycle, and swimming the length of over seven football fields, Wing and Jackson admit this race isn’t easy — but they hope to see more faces in next year’s crowd regardless of the challenge.
Today’s competition was also a qualifying event for athletes hoping to compete in the Toyota USA Triathlon National Championships. The top finisher in the men’s triathlon was Miguel Gonzales from Bismarck.