Avalon resident Jay Hayes takes fifth overall in triathlon
Jay Hayes was the first Avalon resident to finish the triathlon, taking fifth overall, with a time of 1:17:29. Hayes, 32, was the top finisher in the male age 30-34 division. He was only about nine minutes behind the overall winner, Mauro Cavanha, of Los Angeles, who was the top finisher in 1:08:55. Owen Conner of San Diego was second in 1:09:39 and James Shalvoy, of Manhattan Beach, was third with a time of 1:10:48. Make McIndoe, of Newbury Park, was fourth in 1:16:32.
Moira Molloy, of San Diego was the top female finisher with a time of 1:30:26. The 30-year-old was 29th overall. Caroline Wilson, 51, of Rancho Santa Margarita was the second female to finishe with a time of 1:31:35 and Leanne Lowden, 51, of La Canada, was the third female with a time of 1:32:22.
Timothy Morales, 25, of Avalon, was ninth overall and took second is his age division, with a time of 1:19:25. Avalon resident Cal Parsons was 43rd overall with a time of 1:34:10. The 69-year-old was second in his age division. Sadie Parsons, 25, of Avalon was 48th overall and third in the female, age 25-29 division. She finished in a time of 1:35:27.
In the 5K run, Cameron Hubert, 22, was the top Avalon resident finisher, taking fourth overall and second in the male 20-24 division. He finished the course in 22:25. Dewitt Finley, 52, of Avalon, was 12th overall and first in his age division, with a time of 27:57.
Avalon resident Tina Hall, 34, was the top female islander finisher with a time of 30:59. She was 22nd overall and third in her age division. Mike Cassidy, 57, was the 45th overall finisher and was first in his age division. The Avalon resident finished the course in 36:01.
Leah Melber, 49, was 52nd overall and fifth in her age division. The Avalon resident ran the course in 38:45. Avalon resident and City Council member, Cinde MacGugan Cassidy was sixth in her age division, and 56th overall. She ran the course in 41:50.
Rebecca Martin, 26, took second in her age division. The Avalon resident finished the course in 47:31. June Wright, 69, of Avalon took third in her age division with a time of 53:29.
The female triathlon relay team that consisted of three generations of women finished 15th overall among the relay teams. “The Three Maries,” Nancy Marie Castiglione, 70, Gina Marie Bianchi and Natalie Marie Bianchi, 8, are the descendants of Marie Ursich, a long-time homeowner on Catalina, who passed away last year. The team was featured in the Catalina Islander in July as they prepared to compete in Marie’s honor.
Nancy did the swim, Gina rode the bike event and Natalie anchored the relay team in the 5K run. According to her mom Gina, she ran a personal best time. Gina said the team had an amazing time competing and honoring Marie.
“It was a day we will never forget, and another reminder of how very special Catalina Island is,” Gina said.
