Morgan Rode sports@newmedia-wi.com
Leader Photo by Morgan Rode Competitors swam across the Leopolis Pond to kick off the Leopolis Triathlon on the Fourth of July.
Participants from around the state opened their Fourth of July by competing in the 34th annual Leopolis Triathlon.
All three classes, jock, beer belly and youth, started by swimming across the Leopolis Pond. The next portion of the triathlon saw the beer belly and youth classes each bike five miles, while the jock class biked 12 miles. The final leg saw the beer belly and youth classes run two miles, while the jock class ran five miles.
Most participants swam and biked under sunny conditions before light rain fell during the running portion of the day.
Some individuals came to compete on their own, while others were joined by several other family members.
“Including cousins, there were 16 of us (family members) in the running,” said Christine Schuessler of Green Bay, who was competing in the Leopolis Triathlon for the first time and enjoyed the running portion of the triathlon most.
Many competitors were back after taking part in the triathlon in previous years.
“This was my second time doing this triathlon specifically. I did it last year too when I was 13,” said Samuel Totzke of Stevens Point, who also competed last year.
“I did improve a lot. I’m actually in cross-country and track so I think that helped me shave a couple minutes off my time,” added Totzke. “It was definitely cooler this year. Last year, it was very hot, so I was thankful for some of those clouds today…”
“I used to do it, in like 2013 and 2014 and then I stopped for a little bit before coming back for this year,” said Mackenzie Bessette of Schofield.”I just really like this triathlon. It’s a lot of fun.”
The Leopolis Triathlon started in 1986. The event is sponsored by the Leopolis Booster Club.
Results from the triathlon were not available by the Leader’s press time.