Lakehurst NAS Duathlon Results 2003


Results: 8-24-03 13th Annual Lighter Than Air Duathlon Lakehurst Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ 3 Mi. Run - 20 Mi. Bike -2 Mi. Trail Run 318 Entrants - 264 Individuals + 13 Relay Teams Unofficial photos will be posted in the Lin-Mark Photo Album on Monday. Wow, what beautiful weather . . . finally. This site is a favorite and if you have ever participated in the Lighter Than Air Duathlon you would add it to your "must do list" also. Conducted entirely on the Lakehurst Naval Air Station grounds, you run and bike past some of the largest hangers in the USA. This base is also an alternate site for the landing of the space shuttle. Get the idea how large it is . . . full use of most of the runways during the race, yet it also involves some trails. It is one of the very few military sites which is open to permit a public event during this time of strict security clearance. Yes, there was a 15 minute delay in the race site, to permit all the cars to pass the security check at the main gate for entrance onto the naval air station grounds. But the wait is worth it. This duathlon was voted Duathlon of the Year twice by participants, and has twice hosted the USAT MidAtlantic Duathlon championship. It is large enough to host a national level duathlon. Closed, flat course. Beautiful Waterford Crystal awards in all divisions. This year the base commander even participated as part of a relay team. Taking first place in the military relay team though was "JAG" from Ft. Dix, a close neighbor. Congratulations to the male overall winners: Last year's winner, Greg Watson, 37 years old, from Newark, DE in 1:11:41 -- 2nd was Todd Wiley, 33 years old . . .a pro triathlete, from Doylestown, PA came in at 1:11:47 (he went on the "hunt" after Greg from the bike, closed in strong at the finish but just ran out of more run course to tri and wear down the tough Greg Watson at his strength, the duathlon (a pro ranked among the top duathletes in the USA). Quite an exciting finish to watch. Closing out the top three was Josh Beck in a strong 1:14:09. Josh is 25 years old, from Carlisle, PA. A strong and varied field of female competitors toed the line. Congratulations to the returning female champion, Cecily Tynan, 34 years old, Philadelphia, PA, (pro duathlete) in a very strong winning time of 1:20:36. Cecily was 11th overall in the open field of men and women. Also finishing solo was 2nd overall female Marjan Huizing, 35 years old, from Montgomery Vi. MD, in an excellent 1:24:30. Kelli Montgomery, 30 years old, from Wallingford, CT took third overall female in 1:28:03. Each finisher looking very strong. We want to give special mention to a favorite in the sport who has been away due to injuries, and giving birth to two children during her "break" -- a new master back into the sport: Pippa Michaels (former Cribb). Pippa was 4th female overall and first female master in 1:29:32. Special recognition to a national class runner, a former Olympic USA team member -- 10K, Kate Fonshell. This was her first duathlon and something she wanted to begin. Should be interesting to see how she adapts to the transition of running and biking. Would love to see her stay with it and add to the excellent field of female competitors who get stronger and stronger. Many familiar faces at this year's event. All road warriors and highly experienced. Yet, the field also hosted many new entrants into the sport. A great place to begin. Well, I better stop rambling, let you get at the results if you are still reading this. Congratulations to the entire staff of this year's event. Every year they work to make it better. Right now they have a lot of outside pressure due to the world situation, but this event has become part of the tradition of Lakehurst MWR, and it shows. Kudos to Nina - Event Director, and everyone who supports her so strongly in producing this year's event helping it go forward again. The effort showed today, from you the competitors and the staff at MWR Lakehurst. Oh yea. Submitted by Linda 2003 Thank you everyone for your support . . . . Train safe, train smart, race strong. (Brandy made many friends at the event and is looking forward to next year already!) Linda & Mark - LIN-MARK If you picked up your race packet for but did not participate . . . you must return your timing chip ankle band which was in the white envelope. Yes, all bands are scanned for return credit by participants. If you do not return the band you will be charged the $15 loss/replacement fee! Please return bands to: Lin-Mark Computer Sports, 7 Westwood Dr., Mantua, NJ 08051 NOTE: We are expecting a DQ/Penalty list with complete explanations from the USA Triathlon head referee. This report will be posted for anyone who received a penalty. Questions/protests should be made directly with the person listed on the report. Neither LIN-MARK or the event committee have any jurisdiction over issued penalties . . . sorry. Questions/Comments