Race Previews

Come for the Race... and the Craft Beer...

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 00:10

20th Average Jo Triathlon Preview - Based on the reg. list we perused on Friday, we expect about one hundred triathetes to participate in next Saturday's swim-bike-run (1/3 mi. - 12.5 - 5K), which is celebrating its 20th edition....

Before we speculate on who will do what on race day, here are a few reasons to make the long trek to Otter Tail County next week. Sometimes people choose not to travel long distances for a sprint race. Why then should Twin Citizens, Duluthians, Rocherarians et al  drive to Perham next week? Though it's not marketed as a "Destination" race, there are cool things to see and do in the area, both before and after the race.

First of all, Perham is a pretty little town of 3700ish people with a very cool-looking town hall (photo R) and a local craft brewery (Disgruntled Brewing), which is reputed to have excellent lagers and ales, great pizza and music on the weekends.

And so you know, there are plenty of lodging options in the area.

Now, let's talk about the race. As this is written the current favorites to finish first are NICK JASMER, wnner here in 2024 and 2023, and AMY PREUSSER, who has won two of the three multis she's entered thus far in 2025. We do suspect DAVID LEWIS will give Nick a good push, and that late registrants, perhaps 2024 winner KADIE HOKANSON, 2021 and 2019 winner JESSIE MAHER will make the trip to Paul Miller Park on Saturday. Other names to toss into the mix, based on past performances here, include ANDREW MOEN, RYAN ROGERS and JOELLEN KOHLMAN-PETRICK, that is, if they decide to race.

2024 Minnesota Master of the Year nominee, Kadie Hokanson, if she shows, will take over the favorite's spot, but we think that Preusser will be a worthy adversary.

A look at the current forecast for the Perham area on June 28 suggests that morning temps should be in the high 60s. RACE WEBSITE