Almost 200 athletes compete in McMinnville City Marathon
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But to swim 500 meters, bike 18 miles and then take off for a three-mile run, you’ve got to be dedicated.
Almost 200 athletes showed that type of dedication in the early hours Sunday morning, as they converged on McMinnville for the first-ever McMinnville City Triathlon.
The event, which was sanctioned by USA Triathlon and organized by Team Magic, drew 171 official people from around the southeast, including several local participants.
Competitors — ranging in age from 11 to 64 years old — began their day with a 50-meter swim in the new Gilley pool, swimming 10 lengths before exiting the water and heading for the rear parking lot of the Civic Center, where they began a bicycle course that stretched from Garfield street, to the country club area via Hwy. 55 and back. After parking their two-wheelers, participants then embarked on a three-mile run around the Civic Center ballpark area and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Swimmers began entering the water at 7:30 Sunday morning, taking off at approximately five-second intervals. But the first man to enter the water was also the first man to complete the course, and with good reason.
Bruce Gennari, the reigning national champion and 2002 Male Triathlete of the Year, took first place overall. The Nashville resident finished the course in 1 hour, 6 minutes and 32 seconds. Patrice Wolfensberger, of Knoxville, was the top finisher in the female overall category, finishing in 1:13:46.
Several local athletes also competed in the event, including Shay Mullican, who was fourth in the Male Beginner division and won the 12-14 age group, and William Lively, who was fourth in the 15-19 division. Todd Willmore was fifth in the 35-39 division, while Robert Davis was 15th in the age group.
Three local athletes competed in the mixed team category, billing themselves as “Beauty and the Beasts.” The team, consisting of swimmer Paige Zemina, cyclist Eric Golden and runner Bobby Kirby, finished the course in 1:17:25.
PHOTOS INFO:
Nashville’s Shelby Sheffield, above, is congratulating after crossing the finish line at the end of her three-mile run Sunday. While the first woman to complete the course, she missed out on first place by a mere 11 seconds.
Several local athletes competed in Sunday’s triathlon, including one three-person team. The trio of swimmer Paige Zemina, right, cyclist Eric Golden and runner Bobby Kirby, left, completed the course in just over 1:17.
171 athletes swam 50 meters, biked 18 miles and ran three miles in the race. (Rob Nunley photos)