WINONA LAKE – Hundreds of swimmers, bicyclists and runners participated in the 22nd annual Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club triathlon Saturday in Winona Lake. There were 454 registered participants and $10,000 raised for the organization that assists children, according to Ron Donkers, race director. Dale Sullivan, 74, participant from Logansport, said he has done 20 triathlons in Winona Lake. “I do two to three hours of training a day. It’s a lifestyle,” Sullivan said. Sullivan says Winona Lake’s course is flat and he enjoys it. Luke Becknell, 61, Warsaw, Optimist Club member, said he has done the triathlon for 15 years. “The most challenging thing is swimming, but this year we added the kayak option and I will kayak,” Becknell said. Hannah Little, 21, Silver Lake, said it was her first time for doing a triathlon. “I’ve been working out at the Y and doing the spin class to prepare,” Little said. Barb McCollom, 51, Warsaw, said it was her seventh time for doing the triathlon. “The swimming can be challenging because of the rain. I love the biking, but you have to worry about turns,” McCollom said. Dan Gehrke, 61, Warsaw, and his daughter Sarah Wildman, 34, Warsaw, did the triathlon for the third time together. Gehrke said the most challenging thing is completing the course. Wildman said her challenge is beating last year’s time.
