Camp Courageous – Nearly Perfect!

by Ron Adkins

Heart of America Triathlon News

If there could ever be a perfect day for racing a triathlon, the August morning for the 2013 Camp Courageous Tri Sprint came pretty close.

Breaking with tradition, the entire course was run off the Camp Courageous campus. Race co-director Nick Gearhart was extremely pleased with the decision to move to nearby Central Park near Amber, Iowa. 'We were racking our brains trying to find a way to improve the race — especially the swim — when we thought of moving the location. It all went together great,' Gearhart said. 'It couldn't be better.'

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Brilliant sunny skies and a slight breeze kept the spirits of 227 competitors high. Water temperature at start time was a wetsuit-legal 76 degrees. The bike course took racers along the Grant Wood Scenic By-Way, and runners were treated to a comfortable, well-maintained trail.

It all came together to make for a fast race.

Barry Brethel of Cedar Rapids, Iowa posted the fastest time for the men, coming in at 1:05:56. Top female finisher was Aryn Flood of Grimes, Iowa with a 1:17:00.

All proceeds from the race benefit the programs of Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite care and recreational facility for special needs individuals. The facility is located on 150 acres near Monticello, Iowa. According to its website, Camp Courageous  provides, among other things, opportunities for social and personal growth. Campers learn a variety of creative and challenging activities and experience genuine success. Since its founding in 1972, the facility continues to operate solely through donations of money, volunteer time, and materials.

Lance Greco, long-time supporter of Camp Courageous and its mission, was delighted by the success of this year's tri-sprint. The course, he said, was great, and the weather was outstanding. And above all, Greco added, the support for Camp Courageous was incredible. 'It was almost perfect.'

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