Clear skies and high humidity welcomed over 600 triathletes to the upscale resort of Sandestin for the 14^th Annual Elephant Walk Triathlon on August 26. Contrary to rumor, the race takes its name from a restaurant in the resort, not from the gait of participants during the run segment. Triathletes from across the Southeast and beyond gathered in this beautiful beachside setting to compete in the 0.5-mile swim, 20-mile bike, and 4-mile run. This race is one of the biggest and best in our area and this years’ edition was no exception.

The swim course laid out in the Gulf consisted of a short leg out from the beach to the first buoy, a left turn and a long stretch parallel to shore, and a final left-hand turn back to the beach. At 7:00 am CDT the first of five waves of swimmers hit the water, encountering a light chop and numerous jellyfish. The remaining waves went off at 6-minute intervals, and the rising sun made sighting difficult on the longest leg of the swim course. Unfortunately, one Tallahassee triathlete, Chris Boudreaux, 20, had a close encounter with a large jellyfish and was severely stung. Race personnel had to assist Chris to the shore for treatment, thereby ending his race and a string of very good showings in local races this summer.

After leaving the water, the triathletes raced up the sand and jockeyed for position on the narrow boardwalk leading to the transition area. Race officials scanned the crowd for rules violations and very nearly "busted" Mary Jane Tappen for leaving without her helmet. However, she quickly realized her gaffe with no harm done and set out on the bike course.

The bike course winds through Sandestin on roads and paths before participants are spilled out onto the local highways and backroads. Traffic control was generally very good, with only a few near-misses on the beachfront road leading back to the resort. Biking conditions were just about perfect, with tolerable temperatures and only a very light wind.

The run course consists of an out-and-back along the golf course and residential areas within the resort. The high humidity slowed down the run times, but numerous volunteers manned three water stations to help cool things down.

One of the highlights of this event is the post-race pool party, where participants enjoy adult beverages and scenic diversions. Rick Ashton set up the Gulf Winds Triathletes banner in a prominent poolside location and the crew of Tallahassee participants regaled each other with stories about the race. Happily, Chris Boudreaux recovered from his jellyfish attack and participated in the festivities. Another triathlete who knows something about overcoming adversity, Chuck Anderson of Robertsdale, Alabama, also attended the party. Mr. Anderson is the triathlete who was attacked by a shark while on an early morning training swim this summer in Alabama, losing a portion of his arm. The attack does not appear to have affected Mr. Anderson’s positive mental outlook or his ability to have a good time.

The Men’s winner of the race was professional triathlete Chris Eschbach, 27, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi in an astounding 1:17:07. Second place went to Jim Lefebvre, 36, of Fort Walton Beach in 1:21:43, and third to Michael Montgomery, 34, of Shalimar in 1:22:49. Male Masters winner was Cole Blair, 40, in 1:23:55.

The Women’s winner was Margaret Finley, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee in 1:30:43. Runner-up was GWTC member Mary Jane Tappen, 43, in 1:34:17. Third Place went to Geoffery Mire, 26, of Lafayette, Louisiana in 1:34:39. Female Masters winner was Jackie Ryan, 42, of Hoover, Alabama in 1:36:46.

Tallahassee Area Finishers

Overall		Name			Age Group Pl.		Time
7		Bruce Moore		2/62	M 40-44		1:26:12
48		Terry Presnell		2/28	M 50-54		1:33:54
51		Mary Jane Tappen	2nd	W Overall	1:34:17
87		Carlos Veigas		3/7	M 20-24		1:38:08
119		Mara Fair		2/31	W 30-34		1:40:24
240		Rick Ashton		13/28	M 50-54		1:49:10
282		Tom Thomas		22/33	M 45-49		1:52:14
305		Paul Hiers		37/62	M 40-44		1:53:56
322		John Fair		3/7	M 60&over	1:55:21
336		Richard Parsons		48/62	M 35-39		1:56:26
454		David Sands		29/35	M Pachy U39	2:06:29
515		Lena Juarez		28/31	W 30-34		2:23:59