The Shadow
The 12th annual Alleghany Highlands Triathlon was held Saturday, May 15 sponsored by Clifton Forge Main Street.
The triathlon was canceled in 2020 due to COVID 19. 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 bag lunch provided by Bartley’s Meat Market, awards and door prizes. The official timer was Run Roanoke.
The triathlon always attracts participants from many surrounding areas including Blue Ridge, VA; Moneta, VA; Fincastle, VA; Shady Springs, WV; Millboro, VA; Waynesboro, VA; Staunton, VA; Blacksburg, VA; Winston-Salem, NC; Roanoke, VA; Rockbridge County; Bath County, VA and Troutville, VA. 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 12 to age 81.
Chris Powasky of Blackburg, with a time of 1:49, was the male overall winner and Catherine Hensley of Mount Jackson, with a time of 2:10, was the female overall winner. Each won a trophy and a one-night stay for two at the Omni The Homestead Resort.
The overall team winner was “Team Loop” from Troutville, consisting of Patrick Loop, Don Barnett and Logan Barnett. Each received individual team medals. The team also won breakfast for six donated by Hillcrest Mansion Inn.
First, second and third place medals were given to winners in each age division. Official time results may be seen at Run Roanoke.com. The trophies were made and donated by Williams Fabrication, dba Jen Fab, Inc.
The triathlon committee thanks all of the many sponsors who made monetary or door prize donation as well as water and fruit: Fleet Feet, Road ID, Gu Energy, Jen Fab, Salt Cave & Spa, Alleghany Outdoors, Douthat State Park, Tap House Restaurant, Nicole Gumm Groseclose Insurance Solutions, Fast Break BP Station, Kroger, The Omni Homestead, Ashley Plantation Golf Course, Masonic Theater, Hamond & Mitchell, Inc., WestRock, Balchem Corporation, Updike, Nicely & Crawford Law Firm, Clifton Tire, Gerald Franson Insurance, Alcova Mortgage, Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry.
Special thanks to all the volunteers who assisted as road monitors, and the Town of Clifton Forge Police Department, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police for providing safety for our athletes. Other volunteers assisting as road monitors, registrations, kayak sweeper, setting up and serving lunches were John Hutchison, Lana Dotson, Karen Buzzard, Jan Coffey, Cathy Wood, Dianne Kling-Smith, Boys Home residents, Ashley and Caroline McClung, Angie Carter and daughter Olivia, Lois Coche Smith, Courtney Pugh, Tamara Reid, Bill and Mott Atherholt and Lee Anne Angle.
After the race, many of the athletes made a point of letting us know how much they appreciated the cheering and support from the volunteers and cannot wait to return next year. Another big thank you and appreciation to the CFMS Board Office Manager, Lisa Jonas.
Clifton Forge Main Street Board
Susan Hutchison, CFMS president and event chair
Doug Houtz
Mott Atherholt
Bill Atherholt
Jenny Olgeten
Gail McIntosh
Curtis Persinger
Lana Dotson
Kelly Dean Madsen
Erin Huffman
