Race Previews

As Rare as Steak Tartare....

Wednesday, 12 September 2012 02:10

One Last Tri VII Preview - This is not actually the final outdoor triathlon on Minnesota's 2012 multisport schedule. MSU-Mankato has it's fall tri coming up, and there may or may not be a race in Mayer, too (Royals Tri). It's name--One Last Tri--is designed to entice those who have either already packed up their gear for the season, or are seriously considering doing so, to get out there one more time.

Last year this race attracted a record 600+ entrants, which caused some parking issues. Good news: those issues have been resolved and parking will not be a problem this time around....

Next, the last few editions of this event have been plagued by cool, drizzly weather. Sunday, though, is forecasted (wunderground.com) to be partly cloudy, 0% chance of rain and afternoon highs should reach the upper 70s.

Sounds good, doesn't it?

Let's talk about the race now. Trivia question: When was the last time a Minnesota triathlon was won by a rookie guy and a rookie girl?

Give up?

It was here, at One Last Tri in 2010. That race was won by Sam Janicki, who is a total hoot!, and fellow hoot, Claire Bootsma, both of whom blossomed into national-level stars.

Two Rookies on the Top Step is as rare as steak tartare. We've taken a cursory look through a decade's worth of results and not found a second example of this phenomenon. So, if it happens on Sunday, and it just might, it will be extra totally cool. OLT will not only be the only