Local athletes represent area well in Marble Falls Triathlon
MARBLE FALLS — Many of the familiar faces of the Marble Falls Triathlon might not be competing in the event July 17 because of schedule conflicts or injuries.
Still, event organizer Mario Gonzales said the triathlon — that consists of a 1-kilometer swim, a 23-mile bike ride and a 4.4-mile run — will be full of extraordinary athletes. The top finishers will complete the triathlon in 90 minutes.
“That’s been what I’m most impressed with and of course the community starting to get involved and enjoy watching this event,” he said.
Athletes range in age from 18 to 80. “That’s quite a diverse crowd,” Gonzales said.
Local standouts Denise Rhodes and Steve McCannon will compete. Rhodes participates in races across the country and is well known in her age group of 50-54. She set a personal best in the Danskin Triathlon in Austin on June 5, completing the event in 1 hour 17 minutes and finishing fifth overall.
McCannon will use the local triathlon to help him prepare for the Antwerp Ironman 70.3, half Ironman in Belguim on July 24.
Gonzales said the two have been on bike rides together.
“Steve’s riding the bike well,” he said.
The swim will be in Lake Marble Falls at 7 a.m., while the bike ride will be on U.S. 281 and Texas 71 and the run will occur through Johnson Park and Pecan Valley in Marble Falls.
The finish line will be at Lakeside Park on Buena Vista.
“So if you want to go watch, that would be a great vantage point … (with) the pavillon area right there where the boat races take place,” Gonzales said. “You can go and watch for free and cheer for free, smile and support all the runners and athletes that come because about 99 percent of them come from out of town.”
For those local athletes who aren’t going to compete, Gonzales said they still will be involved during the race.
“I would suspect we’ve got six that will compete in some way, and then the other four or five will be helping me volunteer and stuff,” he said. “It’ll be fun. We’ll have those competitors be out there one way or another helping or racing.”