USA Triathlon Announces 2003 Races of the Year - Triathlon Week

Robert G. · 03-10-2004, 06:12 PM

USA Triathlon has announced the best races of 2003, as voted on by USAT members.

Best Small Triathlon: Anthracite Triathlon, Summit Hill, Pa. www.geocities.com/AnthraciteTriathlon/

The event begins and ends at Mauch Chunk Lake Park. The 1.5K swim takes place in Mauch Chunk Lake. The challenging 40K bike portion of the race begins at the lake, passes through the towns of Summit Hill, Lansford, Coaldale, Nesquehoning, Jim Thorpe and end at the lake. The bike course is entirely on paved roads. The 10K run is held on the Switchback Trail, a nicely graded rail bed, and paved roads. There is one secure transition area in the park, which is near the exit ramp for the swim and the awards pavilion.

Participant comment:

"I have to say congratulations and well done. What an outstanding group of volunteers. I have been doing triathlons since 1986 and believe this tri was one of the best-staffed races I have ever done. I loved the course-especially the hills on the bike."

Chris Lauchner Wrightstown, Pa.

Best Intermediate Triathlon: Nissan Xterra USA Championship, Lake Tahoe, Calif. www.xterraplanet.com

The Nissan Xterra USA Championship is the culmination of a series of nearly 40 qualifying events across the US that award points to the top athletes in XTERRA's eight regions. The best of the best are invited to compete at Lake Tahoe and battle for the title of XTERRA National Champion.

Pro athletes race for their share of the $80,000 prize purse. Fifty thousand dollars go to the top points scorers for their overall performance this season in the National Championship Series, and $30,000 goes to the fastest pro athletes in the race.

In addition to the championship, XTERRA offers races for trail runners, and the half-distance XTERRA Nevada race. Pick up tips from the pros at one of our XTERRA University clinics or enjoy the XTERRA Expo with food, climbing walls and product displays

Participant comment:

"What a fantastic bike course! Good variety of terrain, and awesome views (when you dared to look off the trail). Can't get a better swim either with the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. But best of all is the professional organization that TEAM unlimited ensures at each of their races."

Robert Martinich

Best Large Triathlon: Timberman Half Ironman, Gilford, N.H.
www.timbermantri.com

Part of the Audi all-road Quattro Race Series, the TimberMan Half Iron Triathlon Festival in New Hampshire has grown in just three years to represent everything great about triathlon: spectacular venue, great volunteers and community support, world-class amenities, and enthusiastic, dedicated athletes.

Set in New Hampshire's picturesque Lake Winnipesaukee region, competitors encounter crystal clear waters, exciting climbs and perfect New England scenery to help ease the pain of the race. In addition, the competitors are spurred on by costumed volunteers at themed aid stations as well as live musicians on course. All these factors make this a truly memorable race for both athletes and spectators alike.

In 2001, the event started as a one-day race. This year, Timberman will be a whole weekend festival with a sprint triathlon held on Saturday, the Half Iron Triathlon on Sunday, a carbo-load dinner, an expo and even a pancake breakfast. Friday evening, athletes will be treated to a dinner with three-time Ironman World Champion Peter Reid, who will also be racing to defend his 2003 title.

Participant comment:

"Just wanted to give my vote for Timberman Half-Iron as the best large triathlon! It has the feel of a big time event (like a WTC event) as well as great local flavor of New Hampshire. The work that goes into this event, from themed water stops to pizza and ice cream fest afterward is remarkable. If a race can be near perfect, I say this is it!"

Nick Paquette

Best Duathlon: Apple Duathlon, Sartell, Minn.
www.appleduathlon.com

From 1983 through 1998, the Apple Duathlon, which is named for the healthful fruit that "keeps the doctor away", was content to be Minnesota's premier run - bike, and later, run-bike-run, event. It also took pride in being its state's oldest ongoing multi-sport event.

In 2000, hundreds of athletes from around the nation were introduced to a racing experience that sent them home raving about the event and its wonderful location. That was the year that Apple hosted the USA Triathlon Age Group National Duathlon Championship. Since then, Apple has been a designated qualifying race for the Short Course (2002) and Long Course (2001) World Championships.

The reason for Apple's stature are many: conscientious event management, wonderful course, an athlete- and spectator-friendly staging area, abundant amenities, dedicated volunteers and genuine small town charm are some of the more obvious ones.

Participant comment:

"The Apple Duathlon is the very well organized and the course is excellently supervised by highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. The safety of the runners and bikers is assured by presence of helpful people everywhere on the course!"