Experienced and amateur athletes take triathlon challenge in Sandy

On the morning of Sept. 10, more than 200 people took part in the eighth annual “I Can Tri” challenge—a run, bike and swim triathlon sponsored by Sandy Parks and Recreation and the Alta Canyon Recreation Center.

The triathlon, typically a daunting task for any athlete to complete, was geared toward allowing professionals and amateurs alike a chance to participate in a fun, comfortable and less-competitive surrounding.

“We wanted to have people participate who have always wanted to give a triathlon a shot,” Alta Canyon Recreation Center manager Jake Collett said. “It is a lot of fun seeing people accomplish something they have always wanted to do.

The course began with a 400-meter swim in Alta Canyon’s heated outdoor pool. Triathletes went from the pool onto their bikes for the second leg of the course, a nine-mile ride on roads between 9800 South and Sandy’s Granite Park. From there, participants ran a 5K course, ending at the finish line at the east pavilion of Alta Canyon Park.

Participants began the race with delayed intervals and raced for the best cumulative time rather than competing directly with one another. As racers made their way across the finish line, they were welcomed by the cheers of family, friends, recreation center employees and, perhaps most loudly, by other participants who had already finished the race.

“It seems like there is a great camaraderie with everyone who takes part in this race,” Collett said. “Everyone wants to help each other do their very best, which is a great thing to see.”

It wasn’t only adults who had the chance to compete; kids were also invited to take part in their own “Fun Race.” The children’s race, which included nine participants, involved a shorter swim in the pool and a 2K running course.

As the “I Can Tri” challenge encourages all ages and abilities to compete, the Alta Canyon Recreation Center also provides different courses throughout the year for those hoping to train for what is often their first such event.

“We have all kinds of lessons and classes that can really be customized for whatever a person’s needs are,” Collett said. “We can help people get ready for a triathlon, a marathon or just to get feeling healthier and better about themselves.”

Collett recalled one participant in this year’s triathlon who came to the center for help learning how to swim. “Here was this grandfather who just wanted to run the triathlon, but had to learn how to swim first,” Collett said. “He took some training courses and was very committed. It was great to watch him get in shape and get ready for the race.”

Among the winners in each age group of the triathlon were many Sandy residents. Todd Pellmann took first place in the overall men’s competition at 53 minutes 20 seconds. Only three seconds behind that time was Sandy resident Ben Walden who took second. Sandy residents were also at the top of the women’s overall standings, with Shelti Thompson placing first at 1:06:41 and Kristina Christopherson placing second with a time of 1:08:55.