August 29, 2016 at 2:47 p.m.
Racers push their limits in W.I.L.D. triathlon
Racers push their limits in W.I.L.D. triathlon
By Kayla Thomason-
The forecast called for thunderstorms but the race went off without a hitch.
"This is great, perfect- or near-perfect temperature, a little cloudy, partly sunny, it's perfect," said Mike Prom, race director and director of W.I.L.D. (Wise Intentional Leadership Development).
A total of 69 racers took part in the triathlon and two ran a 5K.
"I'm really pleased with the turnout, just a lot of new faces this year," Prom said.
Participants gathered near the water's edge for the swimming stage of the triathlon and heats were let out at regular intervals.
Six to nine people were in each heat to prevent congestion and make it easier to supervise the swimmers.
"...We can keep an eye on all the swimmers because we have Pelican Fire Department to help us and we had several lifeguards out there," Prom said.
As swimmers got out of the water they ran to the tennis courts where they hopped on their bikes and took off for the next leg of the journey.
The course looped back to the courts where riders dismounted and took off running, eventually crossing the finish line in the grassy area near the entrance to Holiday Acres.
The racers finished in the time Prom expected - around the hour mark.
Peter Zambon was the first across the line.
"I'm ecstatic about how I did, I did really well today," he said, adding that he beat his personal record.
Swimming was his favorite part of the triathlon and he said it's his big advantage.
Zambon also thought the weather was wonderful.
"I think (the weather) was absolutely perfect, no wind, the sun wasn't too bright that you were blinded and it's not too hot that I was sweating my butt off," he said.
Zambon, whose parents own the resort, lives at Holiday Acres and wouldn't pass up the opportunity to participate in this event.
"I would want (future participants) to know that it's a good time and it's a good way to get out and get a little bit out in the woods and get some fresh air and have fun competing," he said.
Tim Wissbroecker crossed the finish line third. As he is working through an injury, he was pleased with the result.
Wissbroecker has been doing triathlons for a while and enjoys the terrain at Holiday Acres.
"It's not your typical triathlon where you're on the same road, zoning out, one speed," he said, adding that he liked the altered inclines, and the mix of off-road and paved trails.
The bike and the run are his favorite aspects of the race.
"I keep coming back because it's a great place, everyone's friendly, welcoming, no one's intimidating you like you get in some of the bigger races. It's a great event all around," he said.
Wissbroecker also said he likes the fact that the event benefits others.
"Us as Americans, we have so much, it's great to give back and having an event like this that benefits us here but have our entry fees go to benefit someone else is amazing and awesome," he said.
Kaitie Smith has participated in the WILD triathlon twice and has loved both races.
"Oh I love it, this is my second time doing that and it's a great combination of off-road and on-road for biking as well as running so it's pretty cool," she said.
"I love swimming, biking it's not my strong suit especially off-road, but it's so pretty that it makes up for it," Smith added with a grin.
She feels that running is her strong suit and she loves it. She was pleased that she beat her personal record by a minute and a half.
Smith has been running in triathlons for years.
"When I had my first child I started doing triathlons and that was about nine years ago and I try to do one a summer," she said.
Smith signed up for the race with her husband for fun but is glad that it benefits a good cause.
"Oh I love (that it benefits W.I.L.D.), I spent a year in Kenya when I was in college so it speaks to my heart," she said. "It's really cool that we can support such a great cause and have good times as well."
For those who are considering participating in next year's event, she suggests they practice their off-road skills.
Edward Baleke of Uganda, regional director of Eastern Central Africa for W.I.L.D., was observing the event for the second time.
"It went very well, most interesting," he said. "I'm so happy it benefits W.I.L.D. because one, it's very special. Two, I believe that it helps propagate what the world is doing to many people in the community here and also I've been seeing funds being raised and that's very, very crucial in making sure that W.I.L.D. spreads and grows, especially in areas in Africa where people who need the training in need and finances are very important," he added.
Many people participate, or wish to participate in W.I.L.D., he said.
"For them, they are seeing the benefits as it is going to be very, very helpful in what is going on. For example, right now we have many, many people, groups, churches, organizations, youth who are interested in the WILD training but we are cutting off in other places where we can go because of funding and so if they know that we may raise some more funds then they are happy that we are going to be able to reach more areas that we couldn't reach before," Baleke said.
Funding is needed to keep the program going, Baleke said.
"It's a token of our appreciation to the people and to the organizers and to the WILD board and the entire leadership for what is happening and also for the people to be part of this knowing that what they are doing is helping changing lives back at home (and) in the third-world countries," he said.
W.I.L.D. is a Christ-centered, interdenominational, international organization that implements Biblical leadership principals to leaders of all ages.
Prom started WILD in the early 2000s through Headwaters Christian Youth.
WILD is active in more than 12 African countries and Nepal.
Leadership training is also offered to those in the Northwoods.
"We're impacting the lives of people and especially young people 35 and younger in other parts of the world that we don't think (have) anything to do with (us)," Prom said. "But what happens in other parts of the world, because of how connected we are, does impact us and we don't get that sometimes here in America. We think we're somewhat sheltered but we're not."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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