Emerald Coast Triathlon Series gets underway

By Jeff Bowman
The initial event of the Emerald Coast Triathlon Sprint Series was held on Saturday, April 21st at the Boardwalk Beach Resort, Panama City Beach. The Triathlon consisted of a .3 mile ocean swim, 18 mile bike leg down and back PC Beach's infamous 'strip', concluding with a 3.3 mile residential run.

Conditions were challenging as over 250 competitors braved rough surf during the swim, a stiff headwind on the return bike portion, and moderately warm, muggy, conditions during the run.

Race Director Jerry Lynch (former Gulf Coast Triathlon director) has done a superb job of resurrecting 'Triathlon' as it used to be. An outstanding venue, inexpensive early-bird entry fees, very cool awards, combined with a post-race party on the boardwalk that included all you could eat Boca burgers, Hamburgers, Chicken patties, beer, softdrinks, and live music.

The 4 race series continues on June 2nd, followed by subsequent events on August 18th and September 29th. Series awards will be presented after the final event. Participants must finish 3 of 4 races to be considered for series awards. Event information may be found at www.emeraldcoastevents.com.

Local area participants:

Jeff Bowman	5th Overall Male	1:15:38
Richard Baker	3rd Age Group		1:20:01
Bruce Moore	1st Male Master		1:21:03
Tony Guillen	7th Age Group		1:22:09
Casmir Kempisty 12th Age Group		1:28:14
Richard Parsons	9th Age Group		1:35:20
Philip Munoz	1st Age Group		1:42:53
Tom McHaffie	7th Age Group		1:43:30
Grea Bevis 	24th Age Group		1:47:02

Mary Jane Tappen 1st Female Master	1:30:06
Loranne Ausley	5th Age Group		1:41:43
Gina Hickey	3rd Age Group		1:44:12
Lynn Powell	6th Age Group		1:45:48
Cathy McCarty	2nd Age Group		1:46:52
Robin Safley	8th Age Group		2:03:25