Saturday, June 9, 2007 -- Cumberland, MD / Rocky Gap State Park
20th Annual YMCA Rocky Gap Sprint Triathlon (iPO Event Id#: 10179)
2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

YMCA Rocky Gap Triathlon
Photo by JR Petsko

Years of Racing at Rocky Gap

Article and photos by JR Petsko

For twenty years, participates of the Rocky Gap Triathlon have been swimming, riding, and running to help the YMCA of Cumberland, Maryland.

Held at Rocky Gap Resort in Flintstone, MD, the pristine location is a great place for this type of event. One would almost forget all their troubles when walking the lush grounds. Surrounded by tall mountains the beautiful lake has recently become one of my favorite stops throughout the year.

This tranquil setting changed, however, becoming a test of endurance for competitors. Rolling terrain on paved roads, the course consisted of an 8-mile bike ride, 3.1-mile run, and a quarter mile swim in Lake Habeeb.

YMCA Rocky Gap Triathlon
Photo by JR Petsko

Every type of athlete waited for their chance to plunge into the chilly waters. Some folks didn't consider themselves athletes, but in my book if you're doing a triathlon you ARE one. From professional racers to small town lawyers, truck drivers, and housewives, on Saturday at the Rocky Gap they were known as tri-athletes.

Defending race champ, Vinnie Monseau, of Morgantown, West Virginia made it known that he wasn't interested in giving up his title as "Fastest Man at Rocky Gap" just yet.

Monseau was followed by fellow Morgantown Multisport Club member Derek Clark. Clark finished second to Monseau last year and aimed at trying everything in his power to flip-flop spots.

YMCA Rocky Gap Triathlon
Photo by JR Petsko

The two leaders found themselves out in front with a host of others hot on their heels. Nathan Kile, Zach Bittinger, and the first female, Loren Smith, were competing to stay within sight of Clark and Monseau.

While the leaders headed out on the bike stage, Monseau put the hammer down on the 8-mile ride. With no one able to match his speed on the bike, Monseau rolled into the 3.1- mile run with a comfortable lead.

The same could be said for Loren Smith who had a big lead in the female overall competition. Not only was Smith leading her class, but she also held a top spot among the first seven. At the finish Vinnie Monseau held tight to his lead and took home the overall win in a time of 46:36.

YMCA Rocky Gap Triathlon
Photo by JR Petsko

Derek Clark was able to put on a great show of his own once again to take second overall in 50:25. Nathan Kile took the third overall spot by crossing the line in 51:30.

Loren Smith (52:03) never let up a second out on the course and took home the top overall female award plus fourth overall in the entire event (not including teams). Smith was followed by Lauryn Grae MacFawn in second who stopped the clock in 57:08, and Tina Kunstbeck in third finishing in 57:33.

The one thing you learn by going to events like these is that you don't have to be in the top ten to be considered a winner. Anyone who can put their body through three different sports within an hour's time is always a winner in my eyes. To everyone who came out and put their bodies to the test I say, "Great job."