Raider Challenge triathlon draws rookies, veterans, families

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Josh Moshier
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Approximately 30 Airmen, retirees and family members registered for the Bellamy Fitness Center's Raider Challenge Aug. 30, an approximate 11-mile triathlon, which included a 1/4-mile swim, 9-mile bicycle ride and 1.7-mile run. 

Medals were awarded in five divisions, including men 40 and older, men younger than 40, women 40 and older, women younger than 40 and team relay. 

Master Sgt. Bill McKeon, 28th Contracting Squadron, won the men 40 and older division. Sergeant McKeon completed the course with a time of 44:56 and is a seasoned triathlete as this was his third triathlon. He said that while the race wasn't as long as other triathlons he's competed in, it presented its own unique challenges. 

"The race was shorter, but that just means you have to be pushing harder the entire time," he said. "In a longer race, you have opportunities to pace yourself." 

This competition attracted a good mix from the seasoned triathlete to the newcomer like winner of the women 40 and older category. 

Lisa Sherrodd won the women 40 and older division in her first triathlon with a time of 52:46. More important to her than winning the medal, however, was beating her husband Mark Sherrod, a retired Marine. She was also grateful to have the opportunity to compete in such an event. 

"I think it's great the base puts on events like this," she said. "I can come here with my children and not worry about them while I compete. And everyone is so supportive. It was awesome to have complete strangers out there cheering us on the whole way. Of course, it has to be mentioned I beat the Marine!" 

According to Chief Master Sgt. Carl Engwall, 28th Maintenance Group, who placed second in the men 40 and older division, the triathlon is an event that requires a different commitment and provides different challenges than other endurance sports. 

"This was my first triathlon in seven or eight years," the chief said. "I'm not that great of a swimmer, so I had to get in the pool a few times prior to the event to get comfortable with it. Also, the transition from riding the bike to running takes a few steps to get used to. Your legs feel like rubber when your feet first hit the pavement. 

"I was hoping I could make up my time lost on the swim and bike with my run, but I feel great as long as I can still beat some of these younger guys." 

For the results of medal winners from this event, refer to the related links on this page. 

The fitness center's next scheduled event is an adventure race later this month on a date to be determined. For more information on this or other fitness center events, call the Bellamy Fitness Center staff at 385-2266 or visit the services web site at http://www.ellsworthservices.com/. 

Results of Raider Challenge triathlon