Piper, Thompson tops at Kiwanis Triathlon
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Powassan’s Jennifer Piper continued her domination of the North Bay Kiwanis Triathlon, finishing first among women and sixth overall after a hot and humid race on Canada Day.
It was Piper’s fourth straight gold at the annual event posting a time of 1:56.09. Carley Kenwell of Nepean was second at 1:57.57. There were 20 women competing.
Sudbury’s Kelly Thompson took the men’s division with a time of 1:48.25, less than a minute ahead of North Bay’s Nathan Sagle, who endured a flat tire during the cycling portion. Kevin Denston, also of North Bay, finished third, with both local triathletes making it to the podium for the first time. There were 46 men competing.
The team relay had 19 entrants, including Hansen’s Heroes, which has taken part for more than a decade.
“It’s become a tradition for the past 12 years or so,” said Brian Hansen, whose wife, Pam, 74, runs while their son Carl, 56, bikes and granddaughter Brianna Stickling, 26, of Prince George, B.C. swims.
Brian said Pam celebrated her 70th birthday with her first full triathlon and recently finished second for her age group in the Toronto Island half-marathon. He said she had “a great big grin on her face” seeing that she beat more than 130 younger women.
“I think it’s fantastic,” he said while serving as team photographer from a shady spot on the grass.
In the new duathlon division, with 17 individuals doing a run, bike and run event, Ian Sagle was first in the men’s category, followed by Kenn Schmitz. Brandi Venne won the women’s crown with Kristin Franks coming second.
The Nugget will add to this story with more results and photographs to be published in the printed product Tuesday.
ddale@postmedia.com