OMC News and Updates

A bit of trivia before I start. This race is my triathlon anniversary race. I have done it each of the 5 years it has been put on and its quality, plain and simple, is why I became hooked.

In its 5th edition this year, you could not have asked for a better day. Gone were the 100+ degree days from the past few weeks, a quick dodge of some thunderstorms the night before, and the stage is set for a mid-70s, cloudless morning.

I began my day by working the Transition Area as a member of the Support Team, a new feature OMC added this year. This was the first time I have volunteered at a race, and doing so for the first time made my racing day complete. We sought out those that looked like they needed some help and answered questions from those that found us.

I got in a few laps in the pool prior to the start of the race and off we went. For the first time I found myself at the front of the line in this snake pool swim. Miller Park offers an aquatics center that could rival a small water park and is kept as pristine as it was when it first opened. As I cut through the water for the snake swim I made the 300 yard course and exited through the zero depth area.

After a short run on the side walk, I entered the spacious TA that clearly was swept from debris prior to the race. I changed my gear, grabbed the bike, and followed the volunteers directions up to the mount line.

The bike course, which is a 12 mile one loop course, features some challenging hills tough enough to make it interesting, but nothing a beginner can’t handle. Part of the course is closed, with the remaining portions on low traffic rural roads. They kept the out and back section from last year which was a treat. It was on the bike course when I realized this race had volunteers everywhere. If there was an intersecting road, there was a smiling, cheering, volunteer present.

Making it back to Miller Park, I made my way back into the TA and on to the run course. The run course here is a 3 mile lollipop run that is flat and fast for most. I don’t excel in the run, so I appreciate the flat. Once again, volunteers were throughout the run course with words of encouragement and well stocks supplies.

Back into Miller Park and under the finish banner and another race in the books. Post-race food was plentiful and the ice pop at the finish was awesome. OMC members you really out did yourselves this time. This truly is why I Tri.

Special thanks to the Race Committee, volunteers, Republic Parks, and Ultramax