Stettler residents woke up to snowy weather on Sunday morning, April 23, but for local athletes, the conditions were perfect for the Second Annual Indoor Triathlon, held at various locations throughout the Stettler Recreation Centre.
The event gave athletes a chance to work on their running, cycling and swimming skills, all in a warm and family-friendly environment.
Athletes competed in timed heats in the pool, on exercise bikes, and on a running track in the arena.
Rather than overall time, scores were tallied based on how much distance athletes were able to cover in each event, as each athlete was given the same amount of time for each portion of the triathlon.
“For this time of year, it’s pretty tough to have an event outside, and today would be a perfect example of that,” commented Joel Norman, who finished in first place in the 31- to 50-year old male category, followed by Colin Leschert in second place, Matt Barabash in third and Mike Smith in fourth.
Norman is also the organizer of the Stettler Triathlon, an outdoor event which will be held this summer on July 16.
“I do other triathlons throughout the year as well,” Norman added, “but this is the only indoor one I’ve ever done.”
For Norman, the indoor event presents a special opportunity to get his whole family involved with athletics.
“It’s fun, it’s local, and it’s something I can do with my kids,” Norman said. “It makes it fun for us to do it as a family.”
Norman completed the triathlon with his two daughters Zoe, age 11, and Madelaine, age 9.
Zoe finished first in the age 12 and under category, while her sister Madelaine finished second.
Other winners this year were Samantha Smith, who finished first in the 16 to 20 age group, followed by Emily Brown in second place and Tianna Kirtley in third.
In the 31- to 50-year old female category, the winner was Karen Sorenson, followed by Donna Garson in second place and Heather Zyerveld in third.
In the 51 years and older category, this year’s winner was Leo Zyerveld.
The Indoor Triathlon was “a great family and team building event, as we had families do it all together as well as girls from the High School Rugby team,” said event organizer Charlene Baharally. “A huge thank you goes out to all the participants and volunteers that came out.”