Kansas City Triathlon Highlights
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On Sunday, May 31 nearly 600 athletes participated in the first ever Kansas City Triathlon held at scenic Longview Lake in Lee’s Summit, Mo. A few overnight rain showers cleared before the start of the race, with a rainbow forming overhead and leaving sunny conditions for the athletes come race day.
The two -lap bike and run courses created a spectator friendly and fun experience for the athletes and their families and friends. Sponsor tents surrounding a bustling transition area made the event buzz with activity throughout the day. Participants chose between the Olympic or the sprint event.
The event toted itself as an event by athletes for athletes and promised to provide not only a great venue, but also a first class experience for those who participated.
Participants came from several states. Overall Olympic-distance winners were Mark Carey in 2:06:24 for the men and Kelly Dippold in 2:19:40 for the women. Sprint course winners were Jay Orr in 1:04:25 for the men and Jacqueline Denny in 1:14:43 for the women.
Athletes entered the calm waters of Longview Lake at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning to take on the only true Olympic-distance event in the area. The water temperature was a perfect 68-degrees and smooth as glass. The first to exit the water was Dr. Jon Riley of Leawood, Kansas. Thirty minutes later the sprint course race went off.
Riley led off the bike, was overtaken by Jared Kuntz and then eventual winner Mark Carey of Rochester, Mich. on a bike course that truly offered a bit of everything. The course offered plenty of technical sections and tight corners as well as solid climbs. The run saw temperatures climb into the lower 80s with a bit of humidity, but a light breeze kept it comfortable for participants.
In the woman’s Olympic race Kelly Dippold of Olathe, Kansas led from the starting gun to the finish line.
Organizers of the event were pleased to put on a race that met the needs of the local multisport athletes.
Story and photos provided by Larry Rosa.
