Just beyond the finish line of perhaps the ultimate test of
human endurance, stands a woman that in many ways epitomizes the
event better than anyone ever could.
Dispersing cold bottles of water and warm hugs to race
finishers, Healdsburg’s Barbara Recchia is equal parts perspiration
and inspiration.
A three-time cancer survivor, tireless Vineman triathlon
organizer and volunteer, the 61-year-old Recchia has been the heart
and soul of Barb’s Race for the past nine years.
The race bearing her name represents the only all-women’s
triathlon contested in the world, but more importantly serves as a
symbol of empowerment for thousands of women, many of which have
taken on the challenge to scale physical and mental barriers.
The 2009 edition of Barb’s Race, scheduled for Saturday, August
1, starts at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville with a 1.2-mile swim,
continues with a 56-mile bike ride and transitions into a 13.1-mile
half marathon that finishes up at Windsor High School.
Now in its ninth year, Barb’s Race has passed the $300,000 mark
in monies raised in the fight against cancer. Most of the funds
have gone to local organizations such as the Sutter Breast Care
Center, which provides services for women and their families facing
the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer, and the Commonweal
Residential Cancer Support program in Bolinas, which emphasizes the
connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Early projections have Barb’s Race on pace to exceed last year’s
total of $59,000.
Although Recchia is usually immersed in race duties and details
in the days leading up to the race, the significance of what her
event represents to participants is never lost in the shuffle.
“I’m always so inspired by the women and their reasons for doing
this race,” she said. “For many of them this is their first
triathlon. Mostly the women want to do it because it’s an
all-women’s event and they feel a sense of support and camaraderie.
For so many it’s about the cause and being survivors, racing in
honor of survivors, or in memoriam of others who have died. And for
probably all of the Barb’s Racers, they are just very grateful to
be able to physically challenge themselves and live their
dreams.”
While it’s true that many of the 318 individual participants and
an estimated 150 athletes making up relay teams will be first-time
triathletes whose goal is simply to finish, the race also draws
some of the top athletes from around the state each year.
Last year’s Barb’s Race was won by 42-year-old Florence Debout
of Cardiff by the Sea in 5:05.17. Debout, herself a cancer survivor
three years in remission, served as the best possible ambassador in
displaying what the race is all about.
“She was so happy to be healthy enough to complete the race, and
in disbelief that she had won,” recalled Recchia. “She was very
emotional, and it was very emotional and rewarding for me as well
to have a cancer survivor as our overall winner.”
Debout was followed by Kirsty Marritt (5:15.38), Justine Owen
(5:28.26), Lucy Roberts (5:28.38), and Jen Robinson (5:37.43).
9TH ANNUAL BARB’S RACE TRIATHLON
Saturday, August 1
• Only all-women’s 70.3 distance triathlon contested in the
world.
• Over 300 individual athletes expected to compete.
• Proceeds go to fund local cancer research and support-group
organizations. More than $300,000 has been raised for these
organizations through Barb’s Race since 2001.
• Course: Begins at dawn in Guerneville with a 1.2-mile swim,
continues with a 56-mile bike ride, and ends at Windsor High School
with a 13.1-mile run.
• Last year’s winner: Florence Debout, 42, of Cardiff by the
Sea, California won in a time of 5:05.17.
• For more information: visit online: www.vineman.com.
