Race has also become environmentally friendly
The Catalina Triathlon returned to the Island on Oct. 29 with teams of swimmers, runners and cyclists touring the island in competition and fun. Some locals got in on the action too. Team Sweattie Betties (As in Bettencourts) took first place in the team event with a time of one hour, 27 minutes and 9 seconds. They were followed by Team Menage A Tri in 1:32:14 and Team Bo Jo Ro with a time of 1:36:57.
The event includes a half-mile swim in Avalon Bay, a 17-kilometer bike ride around Mt. Ada and a 5K run around Hogs Back and down past the Chimes Tower, with a finish and celebration in downtown Avalon.
In the individual sprint Triathlon event, David Light took first place in a time of 1:18:12. Kevin Bree took second with a time of 1:18:33, followed by Barratt Phillips, who finished the course in 1:19:10. Organized by Love Catalina, the Triathlon is also a sustainable event, as it does not have cups anywhere on the course that might end up discarded along the interior.
All participants must have personal hydration systems, or reusable cups to carry. All cups used in and around the start/finish line area are biodegradable and are disposed of in compost bins.
In the 5K event, Ron Serven took first place in a time of 23 minutes, 25 seconds. He was followed by Kelly Anastay, who was the first-place female finisher in a time of 25:03. Erik Castillo took third with a time of 25:40.
The third place male was Vincent Sanchez, who was fourth overall with a time of 25:49. Natalie Abeysena was the second-place female and 6th overall with a time of 28:41 and Aiyana Miller, age 11, took seventh overall (3rd female) with a time of 29:23.
