Clemson Off-Road Triathlon: TeamSOG Women’s Champion

Race Start Photo: Adam Elliott

I’ve always liked biking and running, but when combined with winding, technical trails and a kayak race I found that I LOVED biking and running.

Finishing the Mountain Bike Leg and Crossing the Finish Line Photo: Adam Elliott

Keeping up with the Boys Photo: Adam Elliott

Last Sunday was my first race that involved more than just kayaking. Clemson’s Off-Road Endurance Triathlon was made up of a 5 mile trail run, a 4 mile kayak and a 10+ mile mountain bike ride. Starting off on the run, full of adrenaline, I immediately pulled ahead. I knew that if I could keep up with the top runners and pull ahead in the kayak, I might be able to hold my place through the bike leg.

The end of the 5 mile run is where things started to get really fun. The course fed us through Clemson’s downhill biking course, giving us hills and a rad luge course that had me shouting and wahoo-ing my way toward the kayak leg.

Catching up to JP, a fellow Wildwater Kayak racer of mine, I knew that I was nearing the top of the Endurance crew.

This might have been the only moment I wasn't smiling. So serious! Photo: Adam Elliott

Well, pretty obvious to say that if you throw me in a kayak, my spirits and enthusiasm will skyrocket. No difference here.

Flying past the other racers in their slow, plastic kayaks, I set my sights on the other boys in fiberglass boats and pushed ahead. The four of us pulled into the transition station one after another, making us the top 4 in the Endurance class.

As we geared up for the mountain bike leg, I knew that I needed to maintain high speeds whenever I could. The biking course was by far the MOST TECHNICAL and LONGEST mountain bike ride I’ve ever done. I knew this going into the race, having had to borrow a friend’s bike and only riding it once before the race. I was, sadly, passed by some of the guys, but held my position as the first female. At least I know what I need to work on.

Despite being difficult, the bike was super fun. Flying through the woods, making sharp turns and avoiding steep embankments into the lake kept me on my toes.

The Wildwater Racers taking on a Triathlon...and Winning. Photo: Adam Elliott

Crossing the finish line was great and celebrating our wins was even better. JP won the Endurance class overall and I took home the Women’s Division 1st place medal. I even took second for my age group in the Sprint division, despite having doing the longer endurance course. Ben and Steven, the other races pictured above, each won for their respective age classes.

Looking forward to more multi-sport races in the future! (After I work on my Mnt. biking skills a bit of course!)