Making most of the Michelle's Tri experience

Monday, June 25, 2018
Jackson Blomstedt, age nine, builds momentum before attacking the Michelle’s Tri 14-mile bike ride.
Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — The participants at Michelle’s Tri on Saturday arrived with every level of experience.

There were those who have a full-length Ironman to their credit.

Some were trying to improve their times from the first Michelle’s Tri.

And there were those who completed their very first triathlon of any length.

Regardless, they all had decided that the time was right….following Michelle Walter’s motto: If not now, when?

Michelle’s Tri is held in honor of Michelle Walters, who died during a bike accident as part of a triathlon in Boulder in August 2016.

More than 85 participants swam, bike and ran as part of Michelle’s Tri, which is in its’ second year and is one of 11 events as part of the Republican River Fitness Series.

The swim took place outdoors at the McCook City Pool, which allowed for 16 swimmers in the water at all time to complete 500 meters.

Plus, participants also had the option to walk the 500 meters in the 4-foot section of the pool.

The 14-mile bike course covered the eastern side of McCook, including an out-and-back section on East 11th by Community Hospital.

A considerable amount of time was spent by organizers the previous day clearing gravel and dirt from the roads after flooding earlier in the week.

The 5K run course followed the winding Kelley Creek walking trail before a final uphill section to reach the finish line at the Kelley Park upper shelter house.

Even with hilly conditions, the weather was beautiful, allowing for fast times for the sprint triathlon.

Bobby Korkow of North Platte led the way with an overall time of 1:09.45.

The top female finisher was Staci Blomstedt of McCook in 1:20.29.

Other top finishers included:

Female, 19 and under, Mary Chessmore, 1:43;

20-29, Alexa Long, 1:57;

30-39, Analisa Colglazier, 1:22;

40-49, Travi Rambali, 1:28;

50-59, Malinda Hayes, 1:42;

60 and over, Nancy Deckert, 1:56.

Men, 19 and under, Ethan Graff, 1:30;

20-29, Daniel Zinny-Schmitt, 1:12;

30-39, Casey Clement, 1:20;

40-49, Jeff Caldwell, 1:14;

50-59, Jared Wach, 1:15;

60 and over, David Clouatre, 1:42.

Complete results for the 2018 Michelle’s Tri are available online at www.republicanriverfitnessseries.com along with more appearing below.

Next up for the fitness series is the Freedom Run 5K/10K, which is part of the Culbertson’s Fourth of July Celebration.

Registration is now open for the Wednesday, July 4 run/walk.

Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. in the Culbertson city park, with the free fun-run and kids’ ⅓ mile run at 7:30 a.m. The Freedom Run begins at 8 a.m.

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