CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – The 14th annual Alleghany Highlands Triathlon was held Saturday, May 20, sponsored by Clifton Forge Main Street. The race began at the Sharon Community Center with the 5k run, followed by a 5-mile kayak down the beautiful Cowpasture River to the steel bridge in McKinney Hollow. There, the athletes transitioned to their bikes for the 10-mile bike route back to Nicelytown Road, Route 42, U.S. Route 60, U.S. Route 220 to Verge Street and down Church Street to the finish line at the Masonic Amphitheater. The athletes then enjoyed a post-race lunch catered by Jack Mason Tavern, door prizes and awards.
The official timer for the triathlon was Run Roanoke out of Roanoke.
Thirty-six triathletes participated in this year’s triathlon, traveling from Roanoke; Culloden, West Virginia; Hardy; Troutville; Winston Salem, North Carolina; Lewisburg, West Virginia; Moneta; Mooresville, North Carolina; Mechanicsville; Covington; Clifton Forge; Selma; and Hardy.
Many of the athletes have participated in this event for several years and always mention the triathlon’s beautiful setting and say they enjoy both the hospitality and scenic views. The athletes ranged from age 9 to age 71.
David Burkwall from Mechanicsville was the male overall winner with a time of 1:52:11.07, and Jackie Tyson from Huntersville, North Carolina, was the overall female winner with a time of 3:03.
Each received a trophy and a2-night stay at the Hillcrest Mansion Inn in Clifton Forge.
Overall male team winners were The Turtles from Lewisburg, West Virginia, with a time of 2:04. Team members were Walter Wright, Travis Montgomery and Dewey Southall.
Over female team winners were from Lewisburg, West Virginia, with a time of 2:34. Members were Carolyn Komar, Susan Ernst and Karen Wines.
The overall mixed team, Run Alleghany, was from Covington with a time of 1:47. Members were Jeremy, Erin and Levi Bartley.
First, second and third-place medals were given to winners in each age divisions. Official time results may be seen at RunRoanoke.com. The trophies were made and donated by Williams Fabrication, d/b/a Jen Fab Inc. Pictures may be seen on www.fireandlightgallery.com and www.cliftonforgemainstreet.org.
The triathlon committee and Clifton Forge Main Street extend many thanks to all the sponsors who made monetary, gift cards, gift certificates as well as water and fruit: Alleghany Chamber of Commerce; WestRock; Clifton Forge Elks Lodge No. 1065; Hammond-Mitchell Inc.; Alcova Mortgage; Highlands Community Bank; Slaughter and Slaughter Dentistry; Updike, Nicely and Crawford Law Firm; Clifton Tire and Auto; Ingevity; Garth Newel; Salt Cave and Spa; Tap House/Tizzone Pizza; Ashley Plantation Country Club; Bartley’s Meat Market; Masonic Amphitheater; Alleghany Parks and Recreation; Alleghany Printing; Williams Fabrication, d/b/a Jen Fab; Hillcrest Mansion and Inn; Red Lantern Inn; Fast Break BP Station; Kroger; Ace Hardware; Nicole Insuring You LLC; Alleghany Outdoors; Bear Mountain Sign; and Jack Mason Tavern
They also give special thanks to all the volunteers who assisted as road monitors, the Town of Clifton Forge Police Department, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police for providing safety for the athletes and Chuck Unroe, town manager. Also thanked are other volunteers assisting as road monitors, registrations and kayak sweepers.
Setting up and serving lunches were Boys Scout Troop 2, John Hutchison, Dave Oeltjen, Karen Buzzard, Dianne Kling-Smith, Ashley and Caroline McClung, Courtney Pugh, Chris Myers and Holly, Bill and Mott Atherholt, Tammy Connor, Leslie Miller and Ben Truitt, Gail McIntosh Kathy Wood and Jan Coffey.
After the race, many of the athletes made a point of letting organizers know how much they appreciated the cheering and support from the volunteers and cannot wait to return next year. Organizers also give a big thank-you and appreciation to the CFMS Board Office manager Lisa Jonas.
