‘Tri’-ing hard to save lagoon at Capt. Hiram’s Challenge
Stephanie LaBaff
Capt. Hiram's Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Triathletes rose with the sun recently to answer a challenge to “Get off your ass and save some seagrass!” at the sixth annual Capt. Hiram’s River Challenge Sprint Triathlon.
Symbolically, the No. 3 represents harmony, wisdom and understanding. All three qualities also are representative of the goal of the three-sport triathlon – to raise awareness of the perils facing the Indian River Lagoon and raise funds to benefit a trio of organizations looking out for the lagoon’s best interests.
At the start of the race, a record-breaking 225 athletes, ranging in age from 13 to 72, plunged into the icy waters of the lagoon from the resort’s Sandbar to compete in a 1/4-mile swim, before hopping on bikes for a 12-mile ride and concluding with a 5K run along Indian River Drive. Participants were cheered along the way by friends and family members tooting horns, shaking cowbells and waving signs of encouragement. Once all the race warriors had crossed the finish line, everyone gathered for an award ceremony with live music and breakfast.
“Our goal is to put on a fun and unique race. We have an awesome venue,” said Sam Vash, race director. “The race showcases all of our amenities as far as living on the Treasure Coast, highlighting Sebastian. We’re giving back to the river and creating a fun environment for people.”
The local environmental nonprofits selected by Capt. Hiram’s to benefit from the triathlon were the Coastal Conservation Association, the Environmental Learning Center and the Ocean Research and Conservation Association.
Ed Donner was overall winner, with a course record-setting time of 54:39, and Megan Buchanan was the top female finisher at 1:03:25.
Photos by: Leigh Green
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Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors await the start of the race and pictured running into the water as the race begins.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Record breaking male competition winner Ed Donner.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: L-R Cynthia Thompson, Dr. David O’Brien and Linsey Stevens.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Woman’s Triathlon winner Megan Buchanan.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Ed and Kaitlin Donner with Roxy
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Lindsey, Jeffrey and Kere Minton.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Bill, Zeke and Cathye Motta.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Bill and Zeke Motta.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Cowbell girl Marsha Moulder with Ana Vuyovich and Nikki Vuyovich.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Cowbell girl Marsha Moulder with Ana Vuyovich and Nikki Vuyovich.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Kelsey Abel, Lauren McLean and Ronnie Smith with Nash.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018:
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Competitors pictured in the Indian River.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.Racing towards the finishing line.
Capt. Hiram’s Triathlon River Challenge 2018: Action.Racing towards the finishing line father and son competitors hold hands.
