Great Island Adventure Triathlon

Lock Haven PA

July 1st, 2017

1:58:03

2nd overall relay team

This was my fourth time competing in the Great Island Adventure Triathlon but the first time as a relay. I completed the 5K kayak leg and the 14 mile bike leg while the race director’s 11 year old son completed the run leg for me. The kayak leg is an out and back course around the Great Island on the Susquehanna River. This was only my second race competing in a surf ski. I had a slow conservative start which put me a little behind but as I gained confidence I picked up speed and made up time. I was 4 minutes slower than last year’s kayak split but that was to be expected as I learn to paddle the new surf ski which will be much faster than my 16′ kayak once I learn to paddle it a little better. The bike course is a double loop of 7 miles. There are some rolling hills in the first 3 miles but then the course flattens out. On my second loop I missed a turn and ended up off course. The turn was not marked at all and a lot of racers made the same mistake. I was told later a police officer was scheduled to be stationed at the intersection but did not show up or left. I added a full extra mile to my bike leg with the missed turn. My relay partner finished the race with a 24 minute 5K. Pretty good for an 11 year old. Because he is a minor I will not mention his name but he did a great job. All participants received long sleeve tri blend shirts and finisher pint glasses. Last year’s race raised over $8,000 for local charities and I am sure this year it was the same if not more. The race can be completed as a standard swim triathlon, kayak, or paddle board race. They even have shorter kids events the night before the main races. The race is about 4 hours from the Akron Ohio area but certainly worth the drive. I plan to return next year and hopefully once again compete in the solo division.