By Traci Bishop
Each year, the Lunatic Triathlon is hosted in Carbon County with competitions in Price and Helper. The Price chapter of the triathlon, marking the 10th hosted in the city, took place on Friday evening.
In addition to the triathlon, a mini-sprint (half distance) triathlon, a run-bike duathlon, 5K and kid’s triathlon, and the tec-GNAR Lunatics Maximus (extreme) triathlon were all also hosted. The kid’s triathlon was sponsored by Little Learners Daycare, which made it possible for kids ranging in ages five to 11 to participate for free. This generous hosting brought 60 kids to the event.
The adult portions featured another 120 competitors, 50 of which were local and an impressive 70 that were from outside the area.
David Warden of Lehi was named the overall men’s winner while Christy Engar of Price took the overall women’s title. Scott Merrell, triathlon organizer and creator, expressed his thanks for the support from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Price City Police Department. With their assistance, the competitors were able to travel safely throughout the city, as well as Carbonville, to complete the 5K run, 12-mile bike and 300-yard swim.
In addition, the Carbon County Sheriff’s Posse provided support for the road triathlon as well as the tec-GNAR Lunatics Maximus. The posse also mounted officers on Wood Hill and Luke’s Trail for competitor assistance in those areas as needed.
Local biker Dustin Carlson was credited with designing, grooming and flagging the course to ensure that all were safe while traveling the trails under a mostly-full moon. This event is greatly anticipated each year and brings many athletes from near and far to participate in an active evening.
“We are thankful we had such beautiful weather and so much community support for our Price event and look forward to seeing everyone again for our Second Annual Lunatic Triathlon in Helper on Aug. 9,” Merrell concluded.
-
- Photos by Jeff Barrett
