Quad Cities 2012 – First Place or Last, Everyone Wins

Click to view slideshow.By Ron Adkins

Heart of America Triathlon News

Competitors for the 2012 Quad Cities Tri Sprint were treated to the full range of Iowa weather.

The skies opened up over West Lake Park for the first time in weeks as Race Director Eric Sarno gave pre-race instructions. It poured as nearly 600 triathletes hit the 77-degree water. The rains tapered off as they hit the bikes and sunny skies prevailed as runners crossed the finish line. What's that old saying about weather in Iowa … “wait five minutes and it will change?”

Top male finisher was Jeff Paul of Le Claire, Iowa, with a 1:04:57, his third win of the year. Jessica Imm of Davenport, Iowa took top female honors with a 1:12:45.

Tom Christofili of Mansfield, Massachusetts placed first in the male Masters category with a 1:09:22, while Kim Sprenger of Iowa City, Iowa took top female Masters with a 1:22:28. Competitors in all age groups posted impressive times. For complete race results, check out the Quad Cities Triathlon website at www.qctriathlon.com.

Bizarre weather aside, the most delightful surprise of the race was saved for last – literally, twice. Joan Baril, competing in the female 50-54 age group and finishing with a 3:12:15, was the last runner to cross the finish line. A crowd of her fellow triathletes lined the final approach to cheer her on as Joan completed her first-ever triathlon. Joan said she was thrilled to be greeted by such enthusiastic support. “I was just hoping to finish,” she said.

Like many who compete in their first triathlon, once you've run that first one, you catch the bug and have to keep going. When asked if she wanted to race in another tri, Joan laughed and said, “I have to, now!”

The last prize drawn at the awards ceremony was a new Rush Hour fixed gear cruising bike, courtesy of sponsor Healthy Habits. And the lucky winner was…

Joan Baril.

She'd hardly had the chance to catch her breath and drink some water before being called to claim her prize, proving you don't have to place first to score some serious hardware.

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