Lunatic Triathlon Continues to Grow

By Anna Bryner and Karen Basso

The annual Lunatic Triathlon was held late Friday night under the full moon at the Desert Wave Pool. Approximately 300 triathletes began the race with a three mile run, followed by a nine mile bike ride and concluded with a 300 yard swim. The event was open to individual triathletes, family, friends and business teams.

The triathlon began in 2010 and has continued to grow. For the first time in the event’s history, a relay team division for businesses was offered. Price City Fire Department earned first place honors in this division and will display a traveling trophy at the fire station until next year’s race.

Lauren Engar, a swimmer for the top-finishing relay team, said she enjoyed competing in the exciting event.

A free kids’ triathlon was held earlier in the evening for kids ages 6-11, sponsored by the Southeastern Utah Health Department. It featured a 50-yard swim, a one mile bike and a half mile run. According to event organizer Scott Merrell, 81 children participated in the first ever kids’ event.

Due to the continued success of the annual event, the Price City Council proclaimed June 13, 2014 as Lunatic Triathlon Day and temporarily renamed 500 North, between 100 East and 300 East in Price as Lunatic Triathlon Blvd.

Merrell explained that the triathlon would not be possible without the assistance of generous sponsors. He would like to recognize the following sponsors for their support this year:

Castleview Hospital, Southeastern Utah District Health Department, Castle Country Office of Travel and Tourism, Greenwell Inn and Ricardo’s Restaurant, Pro Rehab Physical Therapy, Ferus Well-Site Solutions, USU Eastern, Peczuh Printing, Southeastern Chiropractic, Office Etc. and Radio Shack, Bill’s Home Furnishings/Sportsman’s Corner/Bicyclewerks, Tony Basso GM, Tony Basso RV & ATV, Main Street Grill, KUSA FM 100.1 FM, Elaine Wood Farm Bureau Insurance, Realtor Karen Martino-Basso, C & E Custom Tees, Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County, Jake Mellor Financial Professional and the Carbon County Democratic Party Candidates.

“I had great help in organizing the race as well,” Merrell stated. “Thanks to David Nelson, Kevin and Ginger Bower, Erick and Stacy Mortensen and Dr. Kelly Jensen.”

For complete results of this year’s Lunatic Triathlon, visit milliseconds.com/races/detail/139191.