San Antonio Siblings Place First At TriRock Austin

Published September 3, 2013 09:20AM

Two-time Ironman world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack wins the sprint distance at TriRock Austin. The race welcomed more than 2,000 participants to Auditorium Shores.

Following a swim, bike and run throughout downtown Austin, TriRock Austin Triathlon presented by REI celebrates a host of winners. Two San Antonio residents Daniel Vertiz and Tatiana Vertiz, not only placed first overall in the men’s and women’s intermediate open division, but are also brother and sister. Daniel Vertiz finished with a time of 1:59:51, while his sister completed the race in 2:19:42.

On top of family bragging rights and race medals, the endurance sports siblings each took home a prize package that included a pair of Asics shoes and Maui Jim sunglasses. All Austin participants received a finisher’s medal, technical t-shirt, red carpet finish, post-race breakfast and access to the finish line festival, concert and beer garden.

“TriRock Austin is my season opener and first triathlon in two years,” said Daniel Vertiz, who is going into his sophomore year at University of Texas. “It was a mental battle out there. I went out very conservative on the run due to the heat. Overall, I was on the edge the whole race, really trying to push myself and stay ahead of the competition. I hope to get my pro card in US Open Dallas Triathlon.”

Scott Tonder placed second in the men’s intermediate distance in a time of 2:04:23, while last year’s winner and Austin native, Jamie Cleveland, took third place in 2:04:41.

Chris “Macca” McCormack took first place in the men’s sprint open division, while 16-year-old Mason Riley from San Antonio came in second place, only six minutes behind the two-time Ironman World Champion. Macca is working toward his next race at Kona this year.

“I’ve raced in Austin three times. This is by far the best course—the other ones, you wouldn’t even know you’re in Austin. You get a real feel for the city by racing this event,” said Macca.

TriRock Austin started on Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake and winded through the streets of downtown. Spectators and upbeat music helped motivate and cheer on the sprint, intermediate and relay participants along the course.

For more information about TriRock Austin Triathlon presented by REI, visit TriRockSeries.com.

2013 TriRock Austin Triathlon Results – Top 5 Open Division
Men’s Intermediate
1. Daniel Vertiz, 20, San Antonio, TX, 1:59:51
2. Scott Tonder, 28, Bremerton, WA, 2:04:23
3. Jamie Cleveland, 41, Austin, TX, 2:04:41

Women’s Intermediate
1. Tatiana Vertiz, 26, San Antonio, TX, 2:19:42
2. Julie Stupp, 27, Austin, TX, 2:21:01
3. Joni Moore, 47, Salado, TX, 2:43:14

Men’s Sprint
1. Chris McCormack, 40, Australia, 1:12:22
2. Mason Riley, 16, San Antonio, TX, 1:18:36
3. Danny Craven, 27, Austin, TX, 1:20:31

Women’s Sprint
1. Glenda Adams, 46, Austin, TX, 1:23:10
2. Erica Harshaw, 37, Round Rock, TX, 1:26:12
3. Catherine Meihofer, 39, Atlanta, GA, 1:27:24

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