Race Coverage

"A Blast!"

Monday, 07 July 2014 00:10

Z-TRI COVERAGE - Brendon O'Flanagan of St. Paul, and Tara Makinen of Grand Rapids, won this Independence Day race for the second time last Friday at majestic Pokegema Lake south of Grand Rapids, and both did so in record time. For BO, who also was victorious here in 2012, his 1:02:07 lowered his own men's course record by more than two minutes. For TM, her time was just less than three minutes faster than her 2013 clocking.

Alone in second place for the guys was 2013 Rookie of the Year nominee, Larry Hosch, who posted an impressive 1:04:37. It was Larry's ninth podium finish in 13 starts. The St. Joseph resident is still looking for his first win, which we predict will happen this season. In fact, it could occur as early as next Saturday at Graniteman-Clearwater.

Also cracking the Top 3 for the men was Alan Dettmer, who is from Fergus Falls, we think. Maybe Alexandria....

Makinen's 1:15:42 put her 3:22 ahead of runner-up Bettina Keppers of Duluth. After perusing Bettina's Facebook page, we've concluded that she is AWESOME. She has the cutest adopted--from Ethiopia--daughter ever (photo above) and describes her religious views as "peaceful, tolerant and always learning." The Cary Brothers are one of her favorite bands. We listened to a couple of their songs and thought they were pretty good.

Taking 3rd for the women was Deanna Shepherd of Bettendorf, Iowa, which is one of the Quad Cities. Bettendorf is the 15th largest city in Iowa, you know. The largest employer there is Alcoa, and Jimmy's Pancake House is one of the best places to eat breakfast.

The Z-Tri had 87 finishers, several of whom--Brendon O'Flanagan, Larry Hosch and Andy Zabel--described the experience as "A blast!"  RESULTS