Saturday, August 28, 2004 -- Morgantown, WV
Sprint, Splash 'n Spin Triathlon (iPO Event Id#: 6369)
Story and photos by Julie Black

[Details] [Overall Results] [Results by Class] [Coverage]
[Kid's Coverage] [Swim and Misc Pics] [Run Pics] [Bike Pics]

Sunrise over Marilla Pool

Hundreds of athletes from all over West Virginia and tri-state area come in heats to participate in the annual Sprint, Splash 'n Spin Triathlon. With thing heating up early in the day, it was sure to be an exciting time. Presented by West Virginia University Hospitals and benefiting the Mon County Habitat for Humanity, this large triathlon attracted many big name sponsors from the area.

Highlighting Morgantown's superb recreational facilities such as Marilla Park and Pool and the Board of Park and Recreation Commisions (BoParc), the triathlon encouraged people of all ages to get outside and exercise.

Vinnie Monseau, modern day triathlon man

Individuals, Team Relays, and even the children were separated into heats. In other words, folks were given a specific time to start the race. The distances included a 330-yard swim (10 x lengths of Marilla Pool), 10-mile bike on the rail trail and a 3.1-mile run on rolling roads.

Starting with sunrise at 7:00 am, the first heat of racers jumped into Marilla pool to start their laps. Among them was Vinnie Monseau, this Morgantown local resident took 1st overall in the 2004 YMCA Rocky Gap Triathlon is headed to the 2004 Ironman World Championship this October. Monseau also dominated the Sprint, Splash 'n Spin Triathlon individual category to take home first overall in a time of 48:07.

The bike leg gets rolling

Kyle McCammon (53:18) of Bridgeport , WV went home with 2nd, and David Lederman (53:54), of Morgantown , WV rounded out the top spots in third.

The first woman to finish in the individual class was Martha Michael who crossed the ChampionChip timing mat in 59:14. Second was young Hanna Vernon (59:35), of Morgantown, WV with Amy Czesnowski, also of Morgantown, finishing a respectable 3rd in 1:00:23.

The first team to finish in the August heat was the mixed team called "Wild Cards." With a time of 55:56, the Wild Cards proudly accepted their prize. Mixed team "Masterful " finished for 2nd in 59:27, and Coopers Rock B finished in 1 hour flat.

At the conclusion of the event, all participants, family members, and volunteers were invited to attend the awards ceremony and family fun day at Marilla Pool. Food and drinks were served under the tents including lots of bread and fruit. The pool was free for racers to swim in the rest of the afternoon.

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Thank you Race Sponsors: West Virginia University Hospitals, BoParc, The Dominion Post, MedExpress, West Virginia University Health Associates, HealthWorks, WestBanco, and 102 WVAQ.