Hundreds Compete In Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Triathlon
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – Hundreds of bicyclists, runners and swimmers competed in the 18th annual Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Triathlon Saturday morning in Winona Lake.
There were 688 participants registered for the race, and approximately 660 people competed. Registration proceeds totaling approximately $18,000 will go toward youth programs in the community.
The top overall male finisher was Brad Murphey, 38, Osceola, who finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes and 45 seconds. It was Murphey’s second year for competing in the triathlon.
“I enjoyed the biking course this year because the newly paved road made for a smooth surface,” Murphey said. He said he will compete in another triathlon in Wisconsin this summer.
Chris Wickard, 41, Crown Point, was the top overall female finisher, finishing in 1 hour, 11 minutes and 7 seconds. She said it was her fifth year for participating in the triathlon in Winona Lake.
She will compete in triathlons in Las Vegas and Vermont this summer.
The Miller family, originally from Huntington, competed in Saturday’s triathlon as part of their family reunion.
Nate Miller, Fort Wayne, came up with the idea to have the family compete.
There were eight family members including Miller’s brother, Michael Miller; his two sisters, Melissa Curis and Amy Miller; his brother-in-law, David Sampson; his two nieces, Elise and Sarianna Klingaman; and his nephew, Jacob Klingaman. There were 33 total family members who showed up to either participate or cheer on their family members.
Nate said his sister, Amy, recommended in 2007 the family do a triathlon but that did not happen. However, Nate did an Olympic distance triathlon in 2007 in Ohio.
In 2008, he did a triathlon in Illinois with his nephew, Darryl Klingaman. In 2009, Nate did a triathlon in Wisconsin with his brother, Michael Miller, and nephew, Klingaman.
Michael Miller, Texas, said he enjoyed Saturday’s triathlon in Winona Lake.
“This is like March weather compared to the 100-degree weather we had during a triathlon I did in Texas,” Michael said.
Sampson, Las Vegas, said he will do a marathon in Utah this year, and said Saturday’s triathlon helped prepare him.
Jacob said the biking was bumpy, the course was hilly and it was nice to have the family together for the family reunion.
Elise said it was her first triathlon and she enjoyed the adrenaline rush.
