5 Stars for this awesome triathlon!

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Downtown Clear Lake was a buzz of excitement this weekend.  Athletes came from far and wide to put their training to the ultimate test of endurance at TRI Clear Lake.  They trained for weeks on end in order to swim, bike, and run their way through our beautiful community and cross the finish line.  The 7th year is officially in the books, and it was nothing but fabulous.  If you’re looking to add a race to your schedule, this is the one for you!

The excitement in the air was palpable as the first wave of swimmers entered the water.  It swirled along South Shore as the athletes took to the bike course and then followed them onto North Shore for the run.

Smiles and cheers were abundant at the finish line.  Many athletes raised their arms in triumph before hugging friends and family.

TRI Clear Lake was my first triathlon as an athlete, and I have to give this incredible event 5 Stars!

But it’s not just me who thought it was a phenomenal experience.  Our social pages were a flurry of posts and photos all weekend as athletes raved about TRI Clear Lake.

Here’s what people are saying:

“This race is one of my all-time favs!  It’s so well organized, and even though it’s almost 2 hours away, it feels like a hometown race to me.  I had a smile on my face all day (yep, even in the swim).  100% will be back next year!”

  • Jess Smith, Professional Triathlete

—————————

“The event was very well done by the TRI Clear Lake organizers!!  Hats off to everyone involved!”

  • @tri_freejs1

—————————

“What a fun race, a beautiful area and incredibly nice people.”

  • Jason Sydejko, KCCI

—————————

There’s something to be said about the small-town Iowa atmosphere in Clear Lake.  To pull of the logistics of this race, it takes a lot of manpower.  I mean…  A LOT.  Our community stepped up to the plate and knocked this one out of the park.  Not only did they sign up and show up on race day, but they were engaged in the race from start to finish.

You’ve heard of “Iowa Nice” right?  Well, our volunteers take that to a whole new level!

We wouldn’t be able to pull off an event of this magnitude without them.  We appreciate each and every person, their enthusiasm, and willingness to better our community!

This year, TRI Clear Lake welcomed its first ever individual para-athlete.  Bob Molsberry of Iowa City has competed at Nationals for the Para Triathlon and says the TRI Clear Lake venue and race management surpasses the setting at nationals!

“Thank you for hosting me at TRI Clear Lake and for pulling off a world-class event there in Clear Lake,” he said.  “The race was logistically flawless.  Everything worked as promised, and on time.  The course was clear, well-marked, scenic, challenging (at least for me) but fair.  The venue was incomparable.”

His only regret?

That he didn’t allow more time over the weekend to enjoy all the amenities that Clear Lake has to offer!

Well, Bob, I guess you’ll just have to come back for a visit sometime!

Bob was also impressed by the caliber of volunteers at the race.  “I’ve never heard so many cowbells all along a course as I did in Clear Lake!”

You know what they say… you can never have too much cowbell!

Overall, the entire weekend was just plain incredible.  Kudos to the race directors, Trish Fundermann and Carrie Tysdahl, for creating such a spectacular event in our community.  And to the Chamber Event Assistant, Jenny Fasbender, for her dedicated organization to keeping it all on track!

As always, we wouldn’t be able to even consider pulling off something of this magnitude without the support of our sponsors.  These businesses BELIEVE in us.  Every time we need them, they are there.  They know the importance of bringing this many people into our community, and what it means for the economic health and wellness of Clear Lake.

Presenting Sponsor: Athletico

Title Sponsors: Skip’s Kicks, NextEra Energy, ASSA Abloy/Curries

Gold Sponsors: Kurt’s Bars, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Fareway

Silver Sponsors: Rookies/Sevens/Tap’d, Kingland, McKesson, American Solutions for Business, Lashier Graphics, Cookies, etc.

Bronze Sponsors: Dean Snyder Construction, Heartland Asphalt

Mile Marker Sponsors: Farmers State Bank, MBT, Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, Rachel Smith Books, Cabin Coffee, Johnson Wellness & Fitness, Fareway, Rotary Club of Clear Lake, Surf Ballroom, 173 Craft Distillery, First Gabrielson Agency, Clear Lake Family Dentistry

Again, HUGE thanks to all the people listed above.  We can always count on you for support and we are beyond appreciative!!

I can confidently say TRI Clear Lake year #7 was a HUGE success.  I give it 5 Stars!

We can’t wait to see you all again next year!