Saturday, April 24, 1999 -- Anthony
Great Greenbrier River Race
Story and photos by Marty Lamp.

[Coverage] [Overall Results] [Bike Split] [Run Split] [Boat Split]
[Pictures] [Set 1] [Set 2] [Set 3] [Set 4]

On your mark, get set, go!!

Blue skies and perfect temperatures helped bring over 125 registered participants to the Great Greenbrier River Race in Anthony on Saturday, April 24th. The race was a triathlon format that tested the running, paddling, and biking skills of teams as well as individual competitors through the beautiful landscape of Greenbrier County.

Four legs are faster than two...

The starting leg was a 3 mile run out and back along a dirt road that brought the pack to their water craft of choice, which was waiting for them on the banks of the Greenbrier River. Team Wood, Water, and Wheels(17:38) was the first to reach their boats, with team Fords Fun(17:59) right behind. Jeb Tilly(19:01) was the first single-male to his kayak, and Camille Preston(21:38) led the single-female class to the water. A quick transition was the goal here, but not the most important aspect of the paddling leg. That's because there was 9 miles of moderately moving water to be covered before the final biking leg could be started.

Wait a minute, do we have a leak?

As soon as the paddlers got out of the water, it was time to get on the bikes with the hope that they saved enough energy for the 15 mile ride. Team Fitness Forum Four(1:14:43) had the fastest water time, and Teague Swaim(1:17:23) was the fastest single-male. Casey Gioeli(1:22:43) kept a great pace to be the fastest woman in a boat this day. Team competitors were definitely feeling a little stronger at this point, with fresh bodies waiting near their bikes, but the individual racers wasted no time in getting to dry land and on their saddle.

The finish line often brings happiness

Wood, Water, and Wheels(40:07) had the fastest bike time, but single-female racer Lisa Lucci(41:56) was very impressive on her bike, easily finishing ahead of her closest single-male racer Robert Reid(46:42). The fastest team on the course this day was Fitness Forum Four(2:18:07), with Wood, Water, and Wheels(2:19:08) not very far behind. Robert Reid(2:31:29) used his strong biking to win the single-male division, with Jim Weaver(2:31:43) and Teague Swaim(2:32:15) less than a minute behind. Lisa Lucci(2:46:34) took top honors for the single-female class, with Casey Gioeli(2:48:58) and Camille Preston(2:49:43) right behind.

The finish line was surrounded by spectators, and cheering fans, and it was obvious that everyone was having a great time. As if this wasn't enough, everyone gathered afterwards for an award ceremony and a great pasta meal. Thanks and appreciation to Anne Farr for putting on a great race, and to Christy for giving us the results. We'll see you there next year.