Sunday, July 8, 2007 -- Richwood, WV / Summit Lake, Monongahela National Forest
22nd Annual Scenic Mountain Triathlon (iPO Event Id#: 10177)

2007: [Photos] [Details] [Coverage] [Overall Results] [Results by Class]

Coverage: [1998] [1999] [2000] [2001] [2004] [2005] [2006]

Triathlon in the Heart of West Virginia

Scenic Triathlon photo by JR Petsko

Story and photos by JR Petsko.

Now in my second year as the Head Photographer for iPlayOutside, I'm covering many events for the second time and annual rituals are starting to form. The 22nd Annual Scenic Mountain Triathlon in Richwood, West Virginia is one of those events that I just couldn't wait to return to.

Set in the Monongahela National Forest on a national scenic by-way, it's pretty obvious how the event got its name. I'm not sure if it's the local atmosphere, the mountain beauty, or the people that I like best, but it's all good.

You'd be hard pressed to find any place more spectacular in WV.

C & S Restaurant photo by JR Petsko

Arriving in Richwood, West Virginia around supper time Saturday night, my stomach reminded me that I hadn't eaten since noon. It was time to drop by my favorite mom and pop style stop downtown, The C & S Restaurant. I was greeted by Susie and the smell of scrumptious food that made my mouth water. Sheila came over to take my order and sold me on the hot roast beef sandwich special. Eddie, the cook, start whipped me up a platter sized plate of steaming beef that would please an army. With a clean plate and a full belly I said my goodbyes to the staff and told them I'd be back for breakfast in the morning. Of course I was, bright and early.

High above the town racers and spectators alike gathered on the banks of Summit Lake for the start of the event. Being a little warmer than usual, the water was a pretty pleasant temperature by 10 am. As soon as the last participant entered the water I heard, "Go!" over the loud speaker.

Scenic Triathlon photo by JR Petsko

After a few quick shots of the swimmers as they headed out on their half-mile swim in the lake it was time to head down the road. For the safety of the racers the road down the mountain is closed as soon as they hit the half way mark so I had to split in a hurry in order to get out in front of them for the ride-leg.

About three-quarters of the way though the 17-mile bike stage the course comes upon something West Virginia is known for, a mountain, and not a small one either. Races hit the over 3988 ft., 9% grade of Kennison Mountain and rode on the national scenic by-way to head into the skyline. David Williams of Durham, North Carolina was out in front and looking extremely strong on the bike-leg.

"He was the first out of the water by thirty seconds." said a man on the race radio. Looking super fit climbing the mountain I knew it was going to take a huge effort for someone to overtake him.

Next up the road was Thomas Wood of Tallmansville, WV. Wood was second out of the water from the radio reports. Bill Ulmer, a new friend, was third. After the race I had a chance to talk to Ulmer. "The climb didn't bother me so much," he said. "I was too busy taking in all the views around me."

Scenic Triathlon photo by JR Petsko

The race for top overall female was much tighter then the men's. Monette Williams of Durham, NC was followed closely by Staci Aulick of Huntington, WV. The two were just seconds apart as they crossed the bike climb. In third was Donna Elder of Forest, Virginia.

By the time I hit the transition area the leaders were already out on their run through the Cranberry Glades. All I could do was wait to see how it worked out at the finish. First to the line would be David Williams who had not been at the event since 2004. He took the overall men's title in a time of 1:32:35.

Just a few minutes back was Thomas Wood (1:38:05) in second. Wood was able to make up two minutes on Williams during the run, but it wasn't enough to pass him. Bill Ulmer finished third with a time of 1:43:41. Then something happened that made me take a second look. As Williams walked away from the finish he headed back onto the course to cheer other finishers on. Great sportsmanship David, we like it!

Scenic Triathlon photo by JR Petsko

For the women it was the other Williams, Monette that is, the wife of David Williams. She finished first overall as well. After the race the sporty couple told me that they had not planned to come to the event, but made the trip to see Monette parent's in Beckley were she is originally from.

"Well we saw the race on iPlayOutside.com, knew that it was happening, and we said what the hell." said David.

Staci Aulick (1:53:38) lost a few minutes on the run, but she was still was able to hold on to second overall finishing. Third went to Donna Elder in a time of 1:56:55. Top team honors went to "Holy, Holy, Holy" who finished in 1:41:55.

The event finished at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, where food and beverages were had by all. It felt like a more of a family reunion rather than a race, which is why I love to come back every year.