Pigman challenges athletes

PALO - There's more to triathlons than just swimming, biking, and running.

Take it from the winners of Sunday's 18th Pigman Triathlon.

'There's so much that goes into it,” Blake Becker said. 'You have nutrition, pacing, psychological and emotional preparation. It's so much more complete than other sports.”

Becker was the first-place finisher at Pleasant Creek State Park in 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 43 seconds. He began participating in triathlons in 2000 and became hooked when he started racing in his free time.

'It's kind of a niche sport,” he said. 'They're super passionate about what they do. Everyone is a nice guy or gal.”

The Pigman long course offered a new layout for spectators to cheer on 575 triathletes. The bike and run were held on looped courses so friends and families could see more of the event. Female winner Dani Fischer thought it was a great course and tailored to one of her favorite parts of racing, the fans.

'I love the way they set up the loops,” Fischer said. 'I knew it would be fun with the spectators but was worried about crowding. But it wasn't an issue at all.”

The resident of Indianapolis crossed the finish line in 4:31:43. This Pigman triathlon rounds out her first summer competing as a professional triathlete. While success is a great part of competing, the people are what really make it special for her.

'The community and camaraderie is what makes the sport,” Fischer said. 'That's what keeps you going. It's good and well to do well. What really makes it, though, is to high five the other guys or hear your name get yelled out.”

According to race director, John Snitko, people keep coming back to race because of the benefits, whether it's weight loss or simply healthy living.

'Once they get that goal and finish their first race, the majority feel such a high that they get addicted to triathlons,” Snitko said.

David Thompson of St. Paul, Minn., was second for the men in 4:04:23. Mike Hermanson from Louisville, Ky., was third with a time of 4:06:14. Daniel Bretscher of Mount Vernon, in 4:12:02, was fourth.

Danielle Vsetecka of Rochester, Minn., was the second-place female in 4:41:33. Danna Herrick from Urbandale finished third with a time of 4:43:50.

Richard Nehring from Alden and Ron Ottaway of Cedar Rapids were the two racers in the 70-79 year-old age group.