Scofield Triathlon

July 17, 2011

By Jason Crompton

On July 16, 2011, I competed in the Escape from Schofield Triathlon. This is a unique race with a 1.75 mile point to point swim from the island within Schofield Reservoir to the shore. The 37 mile bike leg is very challenging - a hilly out and back course that reaches 9,415 ft in elevation. The run leg is 10 miles of relatively flat road.

BBSC Endurance Sports did a great job putting on the race. The course was well marked (they added several sight buoys on the swim) and there were ample aid stations stocked with incredible volunteers, sports drinks and energy gels. Athletes were also treated to prompt award ceremonies, a cool swag bag, tech shirt, and free Gandolfos sandwiches.

I came into the Escape from Schofield Triathlon with no expectations. When I exited the water only one minute behind leader, local pro, and awesome swimmer, Heath Thurston, I was excited. I felt great on the bike so I pushed pretty hard and overtook Heath for the lead. At the end of my foolishly fast bike leg, I had stretched my lead to around eight minutes. Heading out of T2 I was surprised by how good I felt. All I had to do was have a respectable run and the race was mine. At mile three, the wheels were starting to come off, and at the turn-around I was toast. My decent run had turned into a slow jog at best. I was soon passed by the race winner, Neal Legler. Later, I was overtaken by Heath Thurston, who wasn’t having a great race either. He took pity on me, slowed down, ran with me and ncouraged me to the end. Because of this, I ended up tying with Heath for second place overall. I had the privilege of crossing the finish line with Heath and his daughter, an incredible end to a miserable run.

In the women’s Escape, Caron Payne placed first overall followed by Kathryn Throolin and Colleen Rue.