Hayden Thompson, granddaughter of Seeley Lake residents Steve and Cheri Thompson, cruising into the transition area. Thompson finished first in the 1-9 age group for the Kid's Triathlon in 26:09.
This year organizers eliminated the cross over between runners and cyclists at the entrance of River Point Campground. This made it safer for everyone and YFC volunteer Orion Maki could easily point racers on the right path while directing traffic.
SEELEY LAKE – While some racers' goal were to win or better their previous time, Rachel Homen's goal was to finish. After starting her training in January and finally getting medical clearance to run in April, she met her goal along with many other racers at this year's Youth for Christ (YFC) Challenge Duathlon/Triathlon Aug. 11.
"All the praise goes to my Savior," said Homen who loved that the race supports Youth for Christ.
This year more than 75 solo racers, one three-person team and 18 youth to the shores of Seeley Lake with participants coming from all over the western United States and as far away as South Carolina and Canada.
The triathlon is made up of either a short (300 yards) or long (600 yards) open swim in Seeley Lake, a 10 mile bike down Boy Scout Road and a 3.3 mile run to finish off the race. The duathlon starts and ends with a 3.3 mile run with the 10-mile bike ride in the middle. All races started and finished at River Point Campground Day Use area.
Homen and her sister Sabrina Lightwoler of Salem, Ore. both competed in the Solo Short Swim. For both, this was their first triathlon.
"It was really monumental for us because it was almost 13 years to the day, Aug. 14 that I moved in with her family as my foster family," said Homen.
Lightwoler trained at sea level for the event. Racing at 4,000 feet was a challenge but she finished with a smile. She and Homen crossed the finish line together in 2:07:27, each taking third in the 20-24 and 25-29 age groups.
"The bike ride was an ab workout," said Lightwoler. "And it was a really beautiful trail. The horses were out by the end of the trail and it was so pretty. You don't see that in the city where I'm from."
Homen said she will definitely do it again.
"I love that we have a local one so I don't have to drive," said Homen.
Cortney Woodard of Seeley Lake also participated in the Solo Short Swim. She finished third in the 30-34 age group with a time of 1:46:40.
Kristie Peressini and Dan Peressini were the only Seeley Lakers in the Solo Long Swim. Kristie finished fourth overall for the women with a time of 1:16:40.86. Dan took second in the 50-54 age group with a time of 1:24:30.59.
Holly Labair and Rob Labair of Clinton were the other locals in the Solo Long Swim. Rob placed third overall and first in the 45-49 age group with a time of 1:03:55. Holly finished fifth in the 40-44 age group with a time of 1:25:55.03.
"Since its inception as Holly Friede's senior project, the mission of the Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon has been to introduce newcomers to racing and provide a family friendly atmosphere, encouraging families to come and race together," said Race Coordinator Cheri Thompson. "We love that in the same spirit, our skilled racers are so generous with sharing their knowledge and experience."
For full results visit https://competitivetiming.com/yfc-seeley-lake-challenge-duathlontriathlon-results/
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