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Mini triathlon brings out the best

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Tucker
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  More than 60 members of the 27th Special Operations Wing and local community crowded onto the deck of the DZ Pool for the first of three grueling legs of competition at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Aug. 25, 2012.

With sweat and dust on their faces and the unmistakable glint of competition in their eyes, fitness enthusiasts of all ages came out to participate in the mini triathlon which featured a 500-meter lap swim, 8.5-mile bike ride and 3.2-mile sprint to the finish.

Spectators looked on intently as competitors in each of the nine heats clambered onto the pool deck soaking wet and exhausted, before making their way to the bike rack for the second obstacle of the day. After putting rubber to road, bikers were assaulted by heat, bugs and renegade pebbles as they navigated Cannon's winding streets. Preparing to start the last leg of the race, participants found themselves back on solid ground, but with the unpredictability of wobbly, spent legs.

With his wife and three children cheering him on, Gage Bonestroo, a Clovis native and dairyman, tore down the road at break-neck speed, rounding the final turn ahead of the field and clenching victory.

"Toward the end of the race it was so hot I was sure I was melting," Bonestroo said. "But it was motivating to compete with such capable athletes and seeing the crowd urging me on gave me the push I needed to sprint to the end. Having the opportunity to come on base and participate in events like this triathlon is something I really enjoy."

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