The 6th annual Rookie Triathlon, held May 10th in New Braunfels, Texas, saw professional triathlete husband and wife team Brandon and Amy Marsh take first place overall for the men and women, respectively. Brandon Marsh fought off a hard charging field of pro and athletes while Amy Marsh cruised to victory with a comfortable margin. Both athletes use PureSport during their training and racing. Roughly 800 participants filled the venue at the Texas Ski Ranch for fun-filled day of swimming, cycling, and running.
The gun went off at 8 AM sharp on what would turn into a very hot and humid day. As usual, the open wave included virtually all of central Texas’s male elite athletes, including Brandon Marsh, James Bonney, Jamie Cleveland, James Bales, Jason McMillian, Derrick Williamson, Patrick Evoe, Todd Gerlach, and Paul Terranova. Amy Marsh had less company in the women’s field, with Desiree Ficker and Andrea Fisher on volunteer duty for the day. The pros and age groupers laid down some speed at the super sprint distance of a 300 meter open-water swim, an 11 mile ride through the beautiful Texas countryside, and a quick 2 mile run.
Participants, volunteers, and spectators were welcomed into finish line carnival with an iced towel and recovery drink from PureSport. The goodies continued with hamburgers, fresh fruit provided by Texas Iron, Kook Kones ice cream, New Belgium Beer, free massage from Advanced Rehab, and a souvenir bike bottle from T3, and gifts from TYR, Trigger Point, Clif, Skeese Greets, and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles.
High Five Events and Jack & Adam’s Bicycles, the producers of the event, received many compliments on the successful event, including the following from a long time participant and volunteer: “I've been coming to these events for many years. After each event I think that you have pulled off the perfect race. Then, I come again next year and the event is even more perfect. I don't know how you guys do it!"
The 2010 event is tentatively scheduled for Mother Day, May 9th.