Unseasonably cool weather and record numbers marked the 22nd
running of the Full Vineman triathlon on Saturday, with a record
1000 athletes putting mind and body to the supreme test.
Also run in conjunction with the Vineman were the Aqua Bike, and
Barb’s Race, the only all-women’s 70.3 triathlon distance in the
world.
The Full Vineman, the oldest continuously run Ironman triathlon
in the continental United States, began in Guerneville with a
2.4-mile swim, continued with a 112-mile bike segment through
several grape-growing regions of Sonoma County, and ended with a
26.2-mile marathon run. The marathon consisted of three loops of
8.7 miles, beginning and ending at Windsor High School.
The ideal weather conditions and distinguished field combined to
produce a spectacular result, and some of the fastest times ever
recorded on the course.
At stake for the men was a share of a $4,000 bonus for anyone
finishing in less than nine and a half hours. The same incentive
applied to any women finishing in under 10:30. Also at stake was a
bonus check of $500 for a course record.
A huge throng of spectators and finish-line volunteers witnessed
the top five men eclipse the 9:30 standard, bagging an equal share
of the $4,000 purse.
“It was an incredible day of racing and spectating,” noted
longtime Vineman spokesman Dave Latourette. “I’ve never seen so
many spectators and fans around for the Full Vineman before. An
amazing day.”
Capturing his first Full Ironman distance triathlon was John
Dahlz of South San Francisco, who recorded the second best time
ever for the race- and the fastest since 1997. Dahlz led virtually
wire-to-wire in crossing the finish line in an official time of
8:56:57. Rounding out the top five men were defending champion Dan
Arlandson (9:04.07, Slater Fletcher (9:06.48), Bob Shebest
(9:24.28), and Taylor Hemming (9:29.12).
“I didn’t mind not being hunted down today,” said Dahlz in a
post-race interview. “It was a great day to race and to sum it up
in one word…I’m happy.”
For Shebest, a 37-year old teacher at Windsor Middle School and
former Vineman champion, it was an enjoyable day of racing.
“The weather was perfect, and being a local guy, it was great to
see so many supporters out on the course,” he said.
Letine Zahler of Portland, Oregon was crowned the 2011 women’s
Full Vineman champion, breaking the tape in 10:30.46. She was
followed closely by Elizabeth Nyitray (10:44.32), Katie Hafen
(10:51.21), Joanne Gilchrist (10:53.31), and Alessanda Battig
(11:02:57).
Among the local Full Vineman finishers were Windsor’s Jady Palko
(10:23.28, 9th in 35-39 age group) and Quinn Donovan (12:41.22,
44th in 40-44 age group); Guerneville’s Sarah Hallas (11:37.28, 3rd
in 30-34 age group); Clay Popko of Sebastopol (12:37.21);
Healdsburg’s Thomas O’Hair (11:32.42, 6th in 50-54 age group), and
Erin O’Dwyer (12:20.27, 6th in 35-39 age group).
Barb’s Race eclipses $500,000 mark
July 30 also marked an historic day for some 540 women who
pushed the boundaries of human endurance in the 11th annual Barb’s
Race. With half of the race proceeds going to cancer charities the
event went over the $500,000 mark in total money raised, including
an estimated $90,000 this year.
Named for three-time cancer survivor Barbara Recchia of
Healdsburg, Barb’s Race has been both a test of endurance and
symbol of hope for thousands of women.
“I continue to be touched by the number of women who cross the
finish line and say they are inspired by my story, and thank me for
giving them the opportunity to race in such a supportive venue,”
said Recchia. “All of these women inspire me for whatever reason
they are participating. I’m thrilled by the popularity and success
of the race.”
Barb’s Race has not only grown dramatically in numbers, but in
the quality of athletes it draws each year. The top-five finishers
have gotten progressively faster, and 2011 was no exception.
Lisa Heisinger of Santa Rosa was the top finisher this year,
posting the second fastest time ever in 4:46.36 Rounding out the
top five ladies were Amy Jenkinson (4:59. 40), Egle’ Silverline
(5:05.00), Annamarie Hofstetter (5:05.27), and Danielle Widenmann
(5:10.31).
Notable local finishers of Barb’s Race were Windsor’s Alice
Carver (7:02.19), and Julie Krueger (7:50.24), and Kim Lydon of
Forestville (8:14.21).
The top individual fundraisers for 2011 were Dan Bursch of
Pacific Grove ($4,015), Brent Rose of Huntington Beach ($3,400),
and Anna Le Mon of San Francisco ($1,500). Athletes that raise more
than $1,000 get a pair of AVIA running shoes from the race
sponsor.
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