August 6, 2000
Niceville, Florida
0.25 mile swim, 10 mile bike, 3 mile run
A field of roughly 300 triathletes competed in the Demolition Man Triathlon,held near Niceville on August 6. The venue for the event is the Maxwell Gunther Recreation Area, a small park overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. This race has been popular since its inception, and this year's edition, the 5th annual, sold out well before race day. In addition, the race was designated by USA Triathlon as the Southeastern Junior Championship race, attracting numerous youngsters to the competition.
The race began at 7:30 am CDT when the first of four waves of swimmers hit the smooth(and shallow) waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. Swimmers seemed to take one of three approaches to the race; 1) Pretend the water is not that shallow and swim normally; 2) "Dolphin" through the water, repeatedly diving forward in an action akin to Flipper, and 3)walking/running through the water until exhaustion or deeper water is reached. Each of these means of locomotion appeared to be effective.
After exiting the water, participants had a short, carpeted run to the transition area. The bike segment of the race is unique and quite an experience in that the bulk of the ride takes place on the Mid-Bay Bridge connecting White Point to Destin. Conditions were perfect in that temperatures and winds were still low in the calm of the morning and the entire length of the bridge had been swept by the local cycling club. A moderately sized rise in the bridge to accomodate boat traffic provided the only hill of the day. Cyclists breezed through the toll booths with impunity, and after a U-turn at the Destin end of the bridge, the participants headed back to the transition and the three-mile run that awaited them.
The run portion began with about a 0.25 mile cross-country section followed by a loop in an adjoining neighborhood. Temperatures were high on the shadeless pavement but two water stations helped the runners cope. The finish line in the park was a welcome sight as the participants ended their hour-long "sprint".
The Men's winner was Jim Lefevre, 36, of Fort Walton Beach in 45:47, a new course record. Runner-up was Mike Plumb of Mobile, Al in 46:46, and third place went to Cole Blair, a semi-local to Tallahassee in 48:30.
The Women's winner was Theresa DeWitt,37, of Duluth, Georgia in 54:39. In an close race, Denise Walters of Kennesaw, Georgia placed second in 54:47. Gulf Winds member Mary Jane Tappen placed third in 55:48.
Excellent performances were turned in by a number of Tallahasseeans, including newcomer Chris Boudreaux, second in the 20-24 age group; Tony Guillen, 5th in the tough 30-34 age group; Mara Fair, second in the 30-34 womens age group; and Terry Presnell of Quincy, first in the 50-54 age group in an exceptionally fast time. Local veterans speedy George Palmer, John Fair, and Bob Keller were all winners in their respective age divisions.
Complete results can be found at www.dragonsports.net. Photos from the event (and other area races)can be viewed at www.usatriathlete.com.
TALLAHASSEE AREA FINISHERS Mary Jane Tappen 43 55:48 3rd Fem. Overall Bruce Moore 42 50:47 1st Male Masters Chris Boudreaux 20 53:25 2nd Male 20-24 Carlos Veigas 22 58:29 6th Male 20-24 Tony Guillen 31 53:00 5th Male 30-34 Larry Johnson 33 59:35 12th Male 30-34 Bill Leonard 34 1:00:16 14th Male 30-34 Bill Duffach 34 1:03:36 19th Male 30-34 Mara Fair 34 57:58 2nd Fem. 30-34 Cindi Sedberry 31 1:00:32 5th Fem. 30-34 Tim Shea 36 1:01:36 16th Male 35-39 Phillip Munoz 49 1:03:59 8th Male 45-49 Terry Presnell 51 51:26 1st Male 50-54 George Palmer 56 56:06 1st Male 55-59 John Fair 61 1:05:52 1st Male 60-64 Bob Keller 66 1:12:17 1st Male 65-69 OTHER DIVISIONS Mark Aparicio 32 1:03:31 6th M Clydesdale 0-39 Kristin Brookens 27 1:05:42 2nd F Fat Tire Karen Erlich 40 1:17:57 9th F Fat Tire