The Shadow
The 15th annual Alleghany Highlands Triathlon was held Saturday May 18, 2024 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 where the athletes transitioned to their bikes for the 10 mile bike route back to Nicelytown Road, Route 42, Route 60, Rt 220 to Verge Street and down Church Street to the finish line at the Masonic Amphitheater where the athletes enjoyed a post race lunch catered by Michael’s Pizzeria, door prizes and awards. The official timer for the triathon was Run Roanoke out of Roanoke, Virginia.
36 triathletes participated in this years triathlon coming from as far as New York. Many of the athletes have participated in this event for several years and always mention what a beautiful setting for this triathlon and enjoying both our hospitality and scenic views. The athletes ranged from age 11 to age 70. David Burkwall from Mechanicsville, VA was the male overall winner with a time of 1:40:25.55; Catherine Kawecki from Harrisonburg, VA with a time of 2:05:12.79 was the overall female winner. Overall female team from New York, NY, Lisa Balatbat and Julie Post (Team Leo) with a time of 2:55:31.33. Overall mixed team, Jeremy, Erin and Levi Bartley from Clifton Forge, VA (Team Bartley)with a time of 1:43:18.67. 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, dba Jen Fab, Inc. Pictures may be seen on www.fireandlightgallery.com and www.cliftonforgemainstreet.org. Special Thanks to Chuck Alamez, Jeff Bartley and Jerry Clark for photos.
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 & Auto; Dr. Scott Brown; Garth Newel; Salt Cave & Spa; Tap House/Tizzone Pizza; Ashley Plantation Country Club; Bartley’s Meat Market; Masonic Amphitheater; Alleghany Parks and Recreation; Alleghany Printing; Willliams Fabrication, dba as Jen Fab; Mobile Fast Break Station; Nicole Gum Groseclose Insurance Solutions; Alleghany Outdoors, Bear Mountain Sign; Jack Mason Tavern
Special thanks to the Town of Clifton Forge Police Department, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police providing safety for our athletes. Chuck Unroe, Town Manager. Mott Atherholt organized the law enforcement. Other volunteers assisting as road monitors, registrations, kayak sweeper, kayak transition, 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, Kevin Cole, Mark Brackenridge, Tammy Connor, Kathy Wood, Jan Coffey, Eli McCutchen, Gail McIntosh, Martha Edwards, Mike Foster, Tom Beirne, Lilly McClung, Jessee, and Bill Atherholt, Jr. Another big thank you and appreciation to the CFMS Board Office Manager, Lisa Jonas.
The Alleghany Highlands Triathlon could not be successful without our fantastic triathletes, volunteers, sponsors and Law Enforcement, and the Town of Clifton Forge Manager,Chuck Unroe.
Clifton Forge Main Street Board
Susan Hutchison, Race Director
