Race Previews

ED. Last weekend we asked Hopkins Royal Triathlon Founder/Director Doobie Kurus if we could peak at his entrants list so we could post a race preview. The race is next Saurday (August 30) at Shady Oak Park. This was the Doobster's reply:

 

A couple of interesting notes:  The race sold out back in July at 315 people.  Devon Palmer and Kortney Haag are our guest emcee/announcers.  Over 60% of the field are women.  The oldest competitor is 84 (John Markham) and the youngest is 12.  We have 15 each competing as Clydesdales and Athenas.  We have 74 trying the Newbies distance.  We have 4 sisters, daughters of retired triathlete, Charles "Bud" McJilton (over 90 years old now) in the field, one coming from Seattle, WA.  We have a Chaska school teacher, Josh Sell, who is doing triathlons to raise awareness and money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation for kids w/ cancer. 

 

The best story yet is Heather Nistler (photo L), a school nurse from McGregor, MN.  She had reconstructive shoulder surgery, and her doctors told her she might never swim again. Early on her road back to recovery, she couldn't even swim one length in the pool without stopping to reach for the wall in pain.  She trained all summer, and finally built up to a 1/2 mile swim... All set to register for her first triathlon ever, and excited to go back to her students days after the race and tell them she actually did it, she literally broke down in tears when she went to the website and found out the race had sold out.  Consoled by her husband and children, one of them mentioned, "Mommy, all that matters is that you try".  After hearing about her inspiring story, MN Masters coach, Scott Tripps, graciously gave up his spot to Heather.   How awesome is that? 

 

There's some decent competition in the Rubies sprint distance, especially in the women's group.  But the bulk of the race is comprised of everyday people, like Heather, whose motto would be probably something like, "I TRI, and that's what really matters".

 

FYI - I've also included the name the participants requested on their race bib.  There's a few intriguing ones (ex: LUNCHBOX, Cptn. Upright, etc).

 

And if anyone wants to volunteer, they can go to: LINK

 

 

ED. Our picks to win the inaugural Hopkins Royal Triathlon are Eric Hendrickson and Sarah Mercer.

 

ALSO:  FYI, this race is full but those who are looking for a race this weekend can register on race morning  (Saturday) at the 14th edition of the St. Croix Valley Triathlon.