April 7, 2008 — West is Best, the second race of St. Croix's Triathlon Series, took place under clear, blue skies in Frederiksted Sunday morning, with a strong breeze keeping it from getting too hot for the racers.
"It was a beautiful day for a race," said racer Donna Duffy. "I would have loved to watch it."
Close to 80 participated in either the triathlon sprint, Try-A- Tri, or the team relay. The triathlon consisted of an 11.5-mile bike, three-mile run and 800-yard swim. The Try-A-Tri is a 400-yard swim, six-mile bike and 1.5-mile run.
Bob Halk, in his 11th West is Best, took overall first for men. He competes in the 30 to 39 age group. Halk, who had been a competitive collegiate swimmer, makes time in the swimming leg of the race.
"I am really happy with my performance," Halk said. "I got an early lead in swimming."
Halk described the course as flat and fast. His time was 1 hour, 4 minutes, 36 seconds.
Theresa Harper, who took first for women, said West is Best is not a particularly good course for her because it is too flat — she is strong on the hills. The first 10 minutes are easy, and the next 55 are challenging, she said.
"The race was a lot of fun, with a lot of women in the field who are pretty competitive," Harper said. "I was happy the police were so supportive and they did a good job at the intersections."
Harper's time was 2:13:32.
Dewayne Smith, who placed first in the East End Triathlon in March, came in second.
"It wasn't my best race, but this is a tune up for the long-haul endurance of the Iron Man," Smith said.
The winners in the relay team were Lauren Harcrow, Dick Isherwood and Julie Eckard with a time of 1:10:59.
In the under-20 age group, Will Piel came in first. Piel said his run was good and he did well swimming, but he didn't like the turnaround and speed bumps in the bike race.
The race is sponsored by Project St. Croix. The winners got $25 gift certificates to Stamina Sports, and relay winners each got $10 certificates.
The remaining races in the series are:
— May 4: St. Croix Ironman 70.3 and Sprint, Christiansted;
— Sept. 21: Toyota Wall2Wall, Cane Bay;
— Oct. 5: Stamina Sports Duathlon, Cramers Park; and
— Nov. 16: Caribbean Classic, Buccaneer.
For more information about the races call 773-8456.
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